Connexin40, a component of gap junctions in vascular endothelium, is restricted in its ability to interact with other connexins.

• DOI: 10.1091/mbc.4.1.7
• Publication Date: 2013-08-16T22:53:46Z
• Authors: R Bruzzone; J A Haefliger; R L Gimlich; D L Paul
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 571; Base Sequence; Xenopus; Molecular Sequence Data; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Membrane Proteins; Cell Communication; DNA; Cardiovascular System; Connexins; Peptide Fragments; Rats; 03 medical and health sciences; Intercellular Junctions; Chemicals And Cas Registry Numbers; Electrochemistry; Oocytes; Animals; Amino Acid Sequence; Endothelium, Vascular

The cellular distribution of connexin40 (Cx40), a newly cloned gap junction structural protein, was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy using two different specific anti-peptide antibodies. Cx40 detected in the endothelium muscular as well elastic arteries punctate pattern consistent with known junctions. However, it not other cells vascular wall. By contrast, Cx43, another connexin present cardiovascular system, endothelial but abundant myocardium and aortic smooth muscle. We have tested ability these connexins to interact functionally. functionally expressed pairs Xenopus oocytes induced formation intercellular channels unique voltage dependence. Unexpectedly, communication did occur when expressing were paired those although each could connexin, Cx37, form oocytes. These findings indicate that establishment can be spatially regulated selective expression suggest mechanism may operate control extent between cells.