Dileucine-like motifs in the C-terminal tail of connexin32 control its endocytosis and assembly into gap junctions

• DOI: 10.1242/jcs.207340
• Publication Date: 2018-01-20T01:35:15Z
• Authors: Anuttoma Ray; Parul Katoch; Nimansha Jain; Parmender P. Mehta
• Keywords: RGD motif

Defects in assembly of gap junction-forming proteins, called connexins (Cxs), are observed a variety cancers. Connexin32 (Cx32; also known as GJB1) is expressed by the polarized cells epithelia. We discovered two dileucine-based motifs, which govern intracellular sorting and endocytosis transmembrane C-terminal tail Cx32 explored their role regulating its abilities pancreatic prostate cancer cells. One motif, designated LI, was located near juxtamembrane domain, whereas other, LL, distally. non-canonical LR, tail. Our results showed that rendering these motifs non-functional had no effect on Cx32. However, LL or LR motif nonfunctional enhanced formation junctions inhibiting clathrin-mediated pathway. Rendering LI inhibited junction augmenting via motifs. studies have defined distinct roles ability.This article has an associated First Person interview with first author paper.