Gap junction protein Connexin-43 is a direct transcriptional regulator of N-cadherin in vivo

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06368-x
• Publication Date: 2018-09-17T11:01:32Z
• Authors: Maria Kotini; Elias H. Barriga; Jonathan Leslie; Marc Gentzel; Verena Rauschenbe...; Alexandra Schambony; Roberto Mayor
• Keywords: Transcription

Abstract Connexins are the primary components of gap junctions, providing direct links between cells under many physiological processes. Here, we demonstrate that in addition to this canonical role, act as transcriptional regulators. We show Connexin 43 (Cx43) controls neural crest cell migration vivo by directly regulating N-cadherin transcription. This activity requires interaction Cx43 carboxy tail and basic transcription factor-3, which drives translocation nucleus. Once nucleus they form a complex with PolII binds promoter. found mechanism is conserved amphibian mammalian cells. Given strong evolutionary conservation connexins across vertebrates, may reflect common gene regulation protein whose function was previously ascribed only junctional communication.