Synthesis, assembly and structure of gap junction intercellular channels

Mark Yeager*, Vinzenz M. Unger, Matthias M. Falk

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gap junction membrane channels assemble as dodecameric complexes, in which a hexameric hemichannel (connexon) in one plasma membrane docks end to end with a connexon in the membrane of a closely apposed cell. Steps in the synthesis, assembly and turnover of gap junction channels appear to follow the general secretory pathway for membrane proteins. In addition to homo-oligomeric connexons, different connexin polypeptide subunits can also assemble as hetero-oligomers. The ability to form homotypic and heterotypic channels that consist of two identical or two different connexons, respectively, adds even greater versatility to the functional modulation of gap junction channels. Electron cryocrystallography of recombinant gap junction channels has recently provided direct evidence for α-helical folding of at least two of the transmembrane domains within each connexin subunit. The potential to correlate the structure and biochemistry of gap junction channels with recently identified human diseases involving connexin mutations makes this a particularly exciting area of research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)517-524
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Structural Biology
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Structural Biology
  • Molecular Biology

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