Structural and Functional Diversity of Connexin Genes in the Mouse and Human Genome
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Klaus Willecke
Abstract
Gap junctions are clustered channels between contacting cells through which direct intercellular communication via diffusion of ions and metabolites can occur. Two hemichannels, each built up of six connexin protein subunits in the plasma membrane of adjacent cells, can dock to each other to form conduits between cells. We have recently screened mouse and human genomic data bases and have found 19 connexin (Cx) genes in the mouse genome and 20 connexin genes in the human genome. One mouse connexin gene and two human connexin genes do not appear to have orthologs in the other genome. With three exceptions, the characterized connexin genes comprise two exons whereby the complete reading frame is located on the second exon. Targeted ablation of eleven mouse connexin genes revealed basic insights into the functional diversity of the connexin gene family. In addition, the phenotypes of human genetic disorders caused by mutated connexin genes further complement our understanding of connexin functions in the human organism. In this review we compare currently identified connexin genes in both the mouse and human genome and discuss the functions of gap junctions deduced from targeted mouse mutants and human genetic disorders.
Copyright © 2002 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG
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Articles in the same Issue
- Nobuhiko Katunuma: An Outstanding Scientific and Professional Career of a Warm-Hearted Person. Reflections on the Occasion of his 75th Birthday
- Structural and Functional Diversity of Connexin Genes in the Mouse and Human Genome
- Congopain from Trypanosoma congolense: Drug Target and Vaccine Candidate
- Biosynthesis of Lysosomal Proteinases in Health and Disease
- Calpain Function in the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Ku Antigen Supports Termination of Mammalian rDNA Replication by Transcription Termination Factor TTF-I
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Upregulates Secretion of Cathepsin B from Thyroid Epithelial Cells
- Selective Release of Calpain Produced αII-Spectrin (α-Fodrin) Breakdown Products by Acute Neuronal Cell Death
- Altered Storage of Proteases in Mast Cells from Mice Lacking Heparin: A Possible Role for Heparin Carboxypeptidase A Processing
- Clustering-Induced Signaling of CEACAM1 in PC12 Cells
- Spin Adducts of Superoxide, Alkoxyl, and Lipid-Derived Radicals with EMPO and Its Derivatives
- Glutathione S-Transferase of the Malarial Parasite Plasmodium falciparum: Characterization of a Potential Drug Target
- Analysis of the Structural Determinants for RNA Binding of the Human Protein AUF1/hnRNP D
- Effect of Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors on Murine B16 Melanoma Cell Invasion in vitro
- Stage-Specific Antimalarial Activity of Cysteine Protease Inhibitors
- Epoxysuccinyl Peptide-Derived Cathepsin B Inhibitors: Modulating Membrane Permeability by Conjugation with the C-Terminal Heptapeptide Segment of Penetratin
- Design of Inhibitors for Human Tissue Kallikrein Using Non-Natural Aromatic and Basic Amino Acids
- Amyloid Fibril Formation by Human Stefin B in vitro: Immunogold Labelling and Comparison to Stefin A
- Lysosomal Peptidases and Glycosidases in Rheumatoid Arthritis
