Journal
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Volume 307, Issue 2, Pages 362-368Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/S0006-291X(03)01166-5
Keywords
connexins; gap junctions; co-assembly; cochlea; hearing loss
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Funding
- NIDCD NIH HHS [R01 DC006483] Funding Source: Medline
- PHS HHS [R01 04709] Funding Source: Medline
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The importance of connexins (Cxs) in the cochlear functions has been indicated by the finding that mutations in connexin genes cause a large proportion of sensorineural deafness cases. However, functional roles of connexins in the cochlea are still unclear. In this study, we compared the relative expression levels of 16 different subtypes of mouse connexins in the cochlea. cDNA macroarray hybridizations identified four most prominently expressed connexins (listed in descending order): Cxs 26, 29, 30, and 43. Two of these connexins (Cx26 and COO), both belonging to the beta-group, were investigated for their molecular assemblies in the cochlea. Co-immunostaining showed expressions of Cxs 26 and 30 in the same gap junction plaques and their co-assembly was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of proteins extracted from the cochlear tissues. The heterologous molecular assembly of connexins is expected to produce gap junctions with biophysical characteristics appropriate for maintaining ionic homeostasis in the cochlea. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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