Pore-lining residues identified by single channel SCAM studies in Cx46 hemichannels

J. Kronengold, E. B. Trexler, F. F. Bukauskas, T. A. Bargiello, Vytas K. Verselis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

The substituted cysteine accessibility method was applied to single Cx46 hemichannels to identify residues that participate in lining the aqueous pore of channels formed of connexins. Criteria for assignment to the pore included reactivity to sulfydryl-specific methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents from both sides of an open hemichannel and observable effects on open channel properties. We demonstrate reactivity to MTS reagents over a stretch of seventeen amino acids, D51 through L35, that constitute segments of E1 and TM1. Qualitatively, the nature of the effects caused by the Cys substitutions alone and their modification with MTS reagents of either charge indicate side chain valence is most influential in determining single channel properties with D51 and L35 defining the extracellular and intracellular limits, respectively, of the identified pore-lining region. A number of Cys substitutions beyond L35 in TM1 caused severe alterations in hemichannel function and precluded assignment to the pore. Although all six subunits can be modified by smaller MTS reagents, modifications appear limited to fewer subunits with larger reagents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)193-199
Number of pages7
JournalCell Communication and Adhesion
Volume10
Issue number4-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003

Keywords

  • Connexin
  • Cystein scanning
  • Gap junction
  • Rectification
  • Unitary conductance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

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