Biosynthesis and structural composition of gap junction intercellular membrane channels.

摘要: Summary Gap junction channels assemble as dodecameric complexes, in which a hexameric connexon (hemichannel) one plasma membrane docks end-to-end with the of closely apposed cell to provide direct cell-to-cell communication. Synthesis, assembly, and trafficking gap channel subunit proteins referred connexins, largely appear follow general secretory pathway for proteins. The connexin subunits can into homo-, well distinct hetero-oligomeric connexons. Assembly appears be based on specific signals located within polypeptides. Plaque formation by clustering plane membrane, degradation are poorly understood processes that topics current research. Recently, we tagged connexins autofluorescent reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP), its cyan (CFP), yellow (YFP) color variants combined this technology single, dual-color, high resolution deconvolution microscopy, computational volume rendering, time-lapse microscopy examine detailed organization, structural composition, dynamics junctions live cells. This provided first time realistic, three-dimensional impression they membranes adjoining cells, revealed an excitingly organization never seen before Here, I summarize recent progress areas encompassing synthesis, assembly composition special emphasis results obtained using cell-free translation/membrane-protein translocation, reporters combination live-cell microscopy.