Interaction of calmodulin and other calcium-modulated proteins with mammalian and arthropod junctional membrane proteins

Gap Junction Channel Regulation: A Tale of Two Gates-Voltage Sensitivity of the Chemical Gate and Chemical Sensitivity of the Fast Voltage Gate

Gap junction channels are regulated by gates sensitive to cytosolic acidification and trans-junctional voltage (Vj). We propose that the chemical gate is a calmodulin (CaM) lobe. The fast-Vj gate is made primarily by the connexin's NH2-terminus domain (NT). The chemical gate closes the channel slowly and completely, while the fast-Vj gate closes the channel rapidly but incompletely. The chemical gate closes with increased cytosolic calcium concentration [Ca2+]i and with Vj gradients at Vj's negative side. In contrast, the fast-Vj gate closes at the positive or negative side of Vj depending on the connexin (Cx) type. Cxs with positively charged NT close at Vj's negative side, while those with negatively charged NT close at Vj's positive side. Cytosolic acidification alters in opposite ways the sensitivity of the fast-Vj gate: it increases the Vj sensitivity of negative gaters and decreases that of positive gaters. While the fast-Vj gate closes and opens instantaneously, the chemical gate often shows fluctuations, likely to reflect the shifting of the gate (CaM's N-lobe) in and out of the channel's pore.

Calmodulin-Connexin Partnership in Gap Junction Channel Regulation-Calmodulin-Cork Gating Model

In the past four decades numerous findings have indicated that gap junction channel gating is mediated by intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺_i]) in the high nanomolar range via calmodulin (CaM). We have proposed a CaM-based gating model based on evidence for a direct CaM role in gating. This model is based on the following: CaM inhibitors and the inhibition of CaM expression to prevent chemical gating. A CaM mutant with higher Ca²⁺ sensitivity greatly increases gating sensitivity. CaM co-localizes with connexins. Connexins have high-affinity CaM-binding sites. Connexin mutants paired to wild type connexins have a higher gating sensitivity, which is eliminated by the inhibition of CaM expression. Repeated trans-junctional voltage (Vj) pulses progressively close channels by the chemical/slow gate (CaM’s N-lobe). At the single channel level, the gate closes and opens slowly with on-off fluctuations. Internally perfused crayfish axons lose gating competency but recover it by the addition of Ca-CaM to the internal perfusion solution. X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that isolated gap junctions are gated at the cytoplasmic end by a particle of the size of a CaM lobe. We have proposed two types of CaM-driven gating: “Ca-CaM-Cork” and “CaM-Cork”. In the first, the gating involves Ca²⁺-induced CaM activation. In the second, the gating occurs without a [Ca²⁺]_i rise.

Gap Junction Channelopathies and Calmodulinopathies. Do Disease-Causing Calmodulin Mutants Affect Direct Cell-Cell Communication?

The cloning of connexins cDNA opened the way to the field of gap junction channelopathies. Thus far, at least 35 genetic diseases, resulting from mutations of 11 different connexin genes, are known to cause numerous structural and functional defects in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in the heart, skin, eyes, teeth, ears, bone, hair, nails and lymphatic system. While all of these diseases are due to connexin mutations, minimal attention has been paid to the potential diseases of cell–cell communication caused by mutations of Cx-associated molecules. An important Cx accessory protein is calmodulin (CaM), which is the major regulator of gap junction channel gating and a molecule relevant to gap junction formation. Recently, diseases caused by CaM mutations (calmodulinopathies) have been identified, but thus far calmodulinopathy studies have not considered the potential effect of CaM mutations on gap junction function. The major goal of this review is to raise awareness on the likely role of CaM mutations in defects of gap junction mediated cell communication. Our studies have demonstrated that certain CaM mutants affect gap junction channel gating or expression, so it would not be surprising to learn that CaM mutations known to cause diseases also affect cell communication mediated by gap junction channels.

Calmodulin-Mediated Regulation of Gap Junction Channels

Evidence that neighboring cells uncouple from each other as one dies surfaced in the late 19th century, but it took almost a century for scientists to start understanding the uncoupling mechanism (chemical gating). The role of cytosolic free calcium (Ca2+i) in cell-cell channel gating was first reported in the mid-sixties. In these studies, only micromolar [Ca2+]i were believed to affect gating-concentrations reachable only in cell death, which would discard Ca2+i as a fine modulator of cell coupling. More recently, however, numerous researchers, including us, have reported the effectiveness of nanomolar [Ca2+]i. Since connexins do not have high-affinity calcium sites, the effectiveness of nanomolar [Ca2+]i suggests the role of Ca-modulated proteins, with calmodulin (CaM) being most obvious. Indeed, in 1981 we first reported that a CaM-inhibitor prevents chemical gating. Since then, the CaM role in gating has been confirmed by studies that tested it with a variety of approaches such as treatments with CaM-inhibitors, inhibition of CaM expression, expression of CaM mutants, immunofluorescent co-localization of CaM and gap junctions, and binding of CaM to peptides mimicking connexin domains identified as CaM targets. Our gating model envisions Ca2+-CaM to directly gate the channels by acting as a plug ("Cork" gating model), and probably also by affecting connexin conformation.

Direct visualization of interaction between calmodulin and connexin45

Calmodulin (CaM) is an intracellular Ca²⁺ transducer involved in numerous activities in a broad Ca²⁺ signaling network. Previous studies have suggested that the Ca²⁺/CaM complex may participate in gap junction regulation via interaction with putative CaM-binding motifs in connexins; however, evidence of direct interactions between CaM and connexins has remained elusive to date due to challenges related to the study of membrane proteins. Here, we report the first direct interaction of CaM with Cx45 (connexin45) of γ-family in living cells under physiological conditions by monitoring bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. The interaction between CaM and Cx45 in cells is strongly dependent on intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and can be blocked by the CaM inhibitor, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W7). We further reveal a CaM-binding site at the cytosolic loop (residues 164-186) of Cx45 using a peptide model. The strong binding (K_d ∼ 5 nM) observed between CaM and Cx45 peptide, monitored by fluorescence-labeled CaM, is found to be Ca²⁺-dependent. Furthermore, high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that CaM and Cx45 peptide binding leads to global chemical shift changes of ¹⁵N-labeled CaM, but does not alter the size of the structure. Observations involving both N- and C-domains of CaM to interact with the Cx45 peptide differ from the embraced interaction with Cx50 from another connexin family. Such interaction further increases Ca²⁺ sensitivity of CaM, especially at the N-terminal domain. Results of the present study suggest that both helicity and the interaction mode of the cytosolic loop are likely to contribute to CaM's modulation of connexins.

Ca2+-induced uncoupling of Aplysia bag cell neurons

Electrical transmission is a dynamically regulated form of communication and key to synchronizing neuronal activity. The bag cell neurons of Aplysia are a group of electrically coupled neuroendocrine cells that initiate ovulation by secreting egg-laying hormone during a prolonged period of synchronous firing called the afterdischarge. Accompanying the afterdischarge is an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). We used whole cell recording from paired cultured bag cell neurons to demonstrate that electrical coupling is regulated by both Ca2+ and PKC. Elevating Ca2+ with a train of voltage steps, mimicking the onset of the afterdischarge, decreased junctional current for up to 30 min. Inhibition was most effective when Ca2+ entry occurred in both neurons. Depletion of Ca2+ from the mitochondria, but not the endoplasmic reticulum, also attenuated the electrical synapse. Buffering Ca2+ with high intracellular EGTA or inhibiting calmodulin kinase prevented uncoupling. Furthermore, activating PKC produced a small but clear decrease in junctional current, while triggering both Ca2+ influx and PKC inhibited the electrical synapse to a greater extent than Ca2+ alone. Finally, the amplitude and time course of the postsynaptic electrotonic response were attenuated after Ca2+ influx. A mathematical model of electrically connected neurons showed that excessive coupling reduced recruitment of the cells to fire, whereas less coupling led to spiking of essentially all neurons. Thus a decrease in electrical synapses could promote the afterdischarge by ensuring prompt recovery of electrotonic potentials or making the neurons more responsive to current spreading through the network.

Regulation of cellular communication by signaling microdomains in the blood vessel wall

It has become increasingly clear that the accumulation of proteins in specific regions of the plasma membrane can facilitate cellular communication. These regions, termed signaling microdomains, are found throughout the blood vessel wall where cellular communication, both within and between cell types, must be tightly regulated to maintain proper vascular function. We will define a cellular signaling microdomain and apply this definition to the plethora of means by which cellular communication has been hypothesized to occur in the blood vessel wall. To that end, we make a case for three broad areas of cellular communication where signaling microdomains could play an important role: 1) paracrine release of free radicals and gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species; 2) role of ion channels including gap junctions and potassium channels, especially those associated with the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization mediated signaling, and lastly, 3) mechanism of exocytosis that has considerable oversight by signaling microdomains, especially those associated with the release of von Willebrand factor. When summed, we believe that it is clear that the organization and regulation of signaling microdomains is an essential component to vessel wall function.

Gap junction regulation by calmodulin

Intracellular Ca(2+) activated calmodulin (CaM) inhibits gap junction channels in the low nanomolar to high micromolar range of [Ca(2+)]i. This regulation plays an essential role in numerous cellular processes that include hearing, lens transparency, and synchronized contractions of the heart. Previous studies have indicated that gap junction mediated cell-to-cell communication was inhibited by CaM antagonists. More recent evidence indicates a direct role of CaM in regulating several members of the connexin family. Since the intracellular loop and carboxyl termini of connexins are largely "invisible" in electron microscopy and X-ray crystallographic structures due to disorder in these domains, peptide models encompassing the putative CaM binding sites of several intracellular domains of connexins have been used to identify the Ca(2+)-dependent CaM binding sites of these proteins. This approach has been used to determine the CaM binding affinities of peptides derived from a number of different connexin-subfamilies.

Gap junctional channels are parts of multiprotein complexes

Gap junctional channels are a class of membrane channels composed of transmembrane channel-forming integral membrane proteins termed connexins, innexins or pannexins that mediate direct cell-to-cell or cell-to extracellular medium communication in almost all animal tissues. The activity of these channels is tightly regulated, particularly by intramolecular modifications as phosphorylations of proteins and via the formation of multiprotein complexes where pore-forming subunits bind to auxiliary channel subunits and associate with scaffolding proteins that play essential roles in channel localization and activity. Scaffolding proteins link signaling enzymes, substrates, and potential effectors (such as channels) into multiprotein signaling complexes that may be anchored to the cytoskeleton. Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in channel localization and activity and, besides their cell-to-cell channel-forming functions, gap junctional proteins now appear involved in different cellular functions (e.g. transcriptional and cytoskeletal regulations). The present review summarizes the recent progress regarding the proteins capable of interacting with junctional proteins and highlights the function of these protein-protein interactions in cell physiology and aberrant function in diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and functions.

Complex formation between calmodulin and a peptide from the intracellular loop of the gap junction protein connexin43: Molecular conformation and energetics of binding

Gap junctions are formed by a family of transmembrane proteins, connexins. Connexin43 is a widely studied member of the family, being ubiquitously expressed in a variety of tissues and a target of a large number of disease mutations. The intracellular loop of connexin43 has been shown to include a calmodulin binding domain, but detailed 3-dimensional data on the structure of the complex are not available. In this study, we used a synthetic peptide from this domain to reveal the conformation of the calmodulin-peptide complex by small angle X-ray scattering. Upon peptide binding, calmodulin lost its dumbbell shape, adopting a more globular conformation. We also studied the energetics of the interaction using calorimetry and computational methods. All our data indicate that calmodulin binds to the peptide from cx43 in the classical 'collapsed' conformation.

Molecular structure of the gap junctional channel

The proteins in various gap junctional preparations from rodent liver have been analysed by two-dimensional peptide mapping and immunoblotting. Only the protein of relative molecular mass (Mr) 16,000 (16K) is found in all gap junctional isolates, and it is unrelated to the 27K protein. The absence of the 27K protein and any of its fragments from trypsin-treated preparations suggests that this protein does not directly contribute to gap junctional structure. Peptide mapping and immunoblotting of the 16K proteins isolated from various tissues and species and of the arthropod 18K protein present in gap junctional preparations from Nephrops norvegicus show that these proteins constitute a family of related junctional proteins. A site-specific antiserum raised against the N-terminal octapeptide of the 16K protein from mouse liver cross-reacts with all 16K and 18K forms of the junctional protein so far tested, suggesting that this particular antigenic determinant is highly conserved. Immuno-localization studies show that the N-terminus is most likely located on the cytoplasmic aspect of the junction and is available to Pronase digestion.

Gap junctional complexes: From partners to functions

Gap junctions (GJ), specialised membrane structures that mediate cell-to-cell communication in almost all animal tissues, are composed of intercellular channel-forming integral membrane proteins termed connexins (Cxs), innexins or pannexins. The activity of these channels is closely regulated, particularly by intramolecular modifications as phosphorylation of proteins, via the formation of multiprotein complexes where pore-forming subunits bind to auxiliary channel subunits and associate with scaffolding proteins that play essential roles in channel localization and activity. Scaffolding proteins link signalling enzymes, substrates, and potential effectors (such as channels) into multiprotein signalling complexes that may be anchored to the cytoskeleton. Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in channel localization and activity and, besides their cell-to-cell channel-forming functions, gap junctional proteins now appear involved in different cellular functions (e.g. transcriptional and cytoskeletal regulation). The present review summarizes the recent progress regarding the proteins capable of interacting with junctional proteins and their functional importance.

The gating effect of calmodulin and calcium on the connexin50 hemichannel

Gap junction channels formed by connexin50 (Cx50) are critical for the maintenance of eye lens transparency, which is sensitive to pH and external Ca2+concentration, but the mechanism is still not clear. In this study we performed dye uptake-leakage assays, patch clamping and confocal co-localization experiments to confirm the function of calmodulin (CaM) and Ca2+in the Cx50 hemichannel. Below pH 7.4, lucifer yellow (LY)-preloaded Cx50-HeLa cells allow dye to leak out when washed with Ca2+-free solution or incubated in solution containing 50 μg/ml W7 (CaM inhibitor) first, then washed in solution containing 2 mM Ca2+, whereas little or no dye leakage was observed when LY-preloaded Cx50-HeLa cells were incubated in solution containing 2 mM Ca2+. Moreover, in the absence of Ca2+, polarizing pulses applied to Cx50-HeLa activated outward transmembrane currents, which were inhibited by 2 mM external Ca2+. When Cx50-HeLa cells were incubated with 2 mM Ca2+and 50 μg/ml W7, the transmembrane currents were activated again. This indicates that Ca2+and CaM play a gating role in Cx50 hemichannels. Either the chelation of Ca2+or the inhibition of CaM increased the permeability of Cx50 hemichannels. The same phenomena were observed below pH 6.5. Furthermore, CaM could be localized in gap junctions formed by Cx50 below pH 6.5. Our results demonstrate that CaM and Ca2+can cooperate in the gating control of Cx50 hemichannels.

Role of intramolecular interaction in connexin50: mediating the Ca2+-dependent binding of calmodulin to gap junction

Gap junction channels formed by connexin50 (Cx50) are critical for maintenance of eye lens transparency. Cleavage of the carboxyl terminus (CT) of Cx50 to produce truncated Cx50 (Cx50trunc) occurred naturally during maturation of lens fiber cells. The mechanism of its altered properties is under confirmation. It has been suggested that calmodulin (CaM) participates in gating some kinds of gap junction. Here, we performed confocal colocalization and co-immunoprecipitation experiments to study the relationships between Cx50 and CaM. Results exhibited that the CaM could colocalize Ca2+ dependently with CT in the linear area of cell-to-cell contact formed by Cx50trunc, while it could not localize in the linear area without expression of CT. Further study indicated that the CT could interact Ca2+ independently with the cytoplasmic loop (CL) of Cx50. These data put forward the importance of Ca2+-independent intramolecular interaction between CT and CL of Cx50, which mediate the Ca2+-dependent binding of CaM to Cx50. These intra- and intermolecular interactions may further improve our understanding of biological significance of the Cx50 in the eye lens.

Calcium-dependent binding of calmodulin to neuronal gap junction proteins

We examined the interactions of calmodulin with neuronal gap junction proteins connexin35 (Cx35) from perch, its mouse homologue Cx36, and the related perch Cx34.7 using surface plasmon resonance. Calmodulin bound to the C-terminal domains of all three connexins with rapid kinetics in a concentration- and Ca2+-dependent manner. Dissociation was also very rapid. K(d)'s for calmodulin binding at a high-affinity site ranged from 11 to 72 nM, and K(1/2)'s for Ca2+ were between 3 and 5 microM. No binding to the intracellular loops was observed. Binding competition experiments with synthetic peptides mapped the calmodulin binding site to a 10-30 amino acid segment at the beginning of the C-terminal domain of Cx36. The micromolar K(1/2)'s and rapid on and off rates suggest that this interaction may change dynamically in neurons, and may occur transiently when Ca2+ is elevated to a level that would occur in the near vicinity of an activated synapse.

CCN3 (NOV) interacts with connexin43 in C6 glioma cells: possible mechanism of connexin-mediated growth suppression

Many tumor cells exhibit aberrant gap junctional intercellular communication, which can be restored by transfection with connexin genes. We have previously discovered that overexpression of connexin43 (Cx43) in C6 glioma cells not only reduces proliferation but also leads to production of soluble growth-inhibitory factors. We identified that several members of the CCN (Cyr61/connective tissue growth factor/nephroblastoma-overexpressed) family are up-regulated following Cx43 expression, including CCN3 (NOV). We now report evidence for an association between CCN3 and Cx43. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the 48-kDa full-length CCN3 protein was present in the lysate and conditioned medium of growth-suppressed C6-Cx43 cells, as well as primary astrocytes, but not in C6 parental and human glioma cells. Immunocytochemical examination of CCN3 revealed diffuse localization in parental C6 cells, whereas transfection of C6 cells with Cx43 (C6-Cx43) or with a modified Cx43 tagged to green fluorescent protein on its C terminus (Cx43-GFP) resulted in punctate staining, suggesting that CCN3 co-localizes with Cx43 in plaques at the plasma membrane. In cells expressing a C-terminal truncation of Cx43 (Cx43Delta244-382), this co-localization was lost. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that CCN3 was able to physically interact with Cx43. In contrast, CCN3 was not found to associate with Cx43Delta244-382. Similar experiments revealed that CCN3 did not co-localize or associate with other connexins, including Cx40 or Cx32. Taken together, these data support an interaction of CCN3 with the C terminus of Cx43, which could play an important role in mediating growth control induced by specific gap junction proteins.

Chemical gating of gap junction channels; roles of calcium, pH and calmodulin

Both Ca(2+) and H(+) play a role in chemical gating of gap junction channels, but, with the possible exception of Cx46 hemichannels, neither of them is likely to induce gating by a direct interaction with connexins. Some evidence suggests that low pH(i) affects gating via an increase in [Ca(2+)](i); in turn, Ca(2+) is likely to induce gating by activation of CaM, which may act directly as a gating particle. The effective concentrations of both Ca(2+) and H(+) vary depending on cell type, type of connexin expressed and procedure employed to increase their cytosolic concentrations; however, pH(i) as high as 7.2 and [Ca(2+)](i) as low as 150 nM or lower have been reported to be effective in some cells. Some data suggest that Ca(2+) and H(+) affect gating by acting synergistically, but other data do not support synergism. Chemical gating follows the activation of a slow gate distinct from the fast V(j)-sensitive gate, and there is evidence that the chemical/slow gate is V(j)-sensitive. At the single channel level, the chemical/slow gate closes the channels slowly and completely, whereas the fast V(j) gate closes the channels rapidly and incompletely. At least three molecular models of channel gating have been proposed, but all of them are mostly based on circumstantial evidence.

Diversity in protein–protein interactions of connexins: emerging roles

Gap junctions, specialised membrane structures that mediate cell-to-cell communication in almost all tissues, are composed of channel-forming integral membrane proteins termed connexins. The activity of these intercellular channels is closely regulated, particularly by intramolecular modifications as phosphorylations of proteins by protein kinases, which appear to regulate the gap junction at several levels, including assembly of channels in the plasma membrane, connexin turnover as well as directly affecting the opening and closure ("gating") of channels. The regulation of membrane channels by protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes commonly requires the formation of a multiprotein complex, where pore-forming subunits bind to auxiliary proteins (e.g. scaffolding proteins, catalytic and regulatory subunits), that play essential roles in channel localisation and activity, linking signalling enzymes, substrates and effectors into a structure frequently anchored to the cytoskeleton. The present review summarises the up-to-date progress regarding the proteins capable of interacting or at least of co-localising with connexins and their functional importance.

Plasma membrane channels formed by connexins: their regulation and functions

Members of the connexin gene family are integral membrane proteins that form hexamers called connexons. Most cells express two or more connexins. Open connexons found at the nonjunctional plasma membrane connect the cell interior with the extracellular milieu. They have been implicated in physiological functions including paracrine intercellular signaling and in induction of cell death under pathological conditions. Gap junction channels are formed by docking of two connexons and are found at cell-cell appositions. Gap junction channels are responsible for direct intercellular transfer of ions and small molecules including propagation of inositol trisphosphate-dependent calcium waves. They are involved in coordinating the electrical and metabolic responses of heterogeneous cells. New approaches have expanded our knowledge of channel structure and connexin biochemistry (e.g., protein trafficking/assembly, phosphorylation, and interactions with other connexins or other proteins). The physiological role of gap junctions in several tissues has been elucidated by the discovery of mutant connexins associated with genetic diseases and by the generation of mice with targeted ablation of specific connexin genes. The observed phenotypes range from specific tissue dysfunction to embryonic lethality.

Calmodulin antagonists suppress gap junction coupling in isolated Hensen cells of the guinea pig cochlea

The effect of calmodulin (CaM) antagonists W7, trifluoperazine (TFP) and a calmodulin inhibitory peptide on gap junction coupling in isolated Hensen cells of the organ of Corti was analysed by the double whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Addition of the conventional antagonists W7 and TFP in the micromolar range caused a rapid decrease of gap junction conductance after a delay of a few minutes in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence spectroscopy of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) by Fura-2 showed no significant change of [Ca(2+)](i) by W7. Chelation of [Ca(2+)](i) by 10 mM BAPTA or use of nominally Ca(2+)-free external bath did not suppress the W7-induced gap junction uncoupling. The results suggest that W7 and TFP induce gap junction uncoupling at unchanged global [Ca(2+)](i) in Hensen cells. To obtain additional evidence for an involvement of CaM in regulating gap junction conductance a calmodulin inhibitory peptide, the MLCK peptide (250 nM), was added to the standard pipette solution. Again gap junction uncoupling was observed, but on a significantly slower time scale. This is the first study of an effect of calmodulin antagonists on gap junction coupling in isolated Hensen cells. The question whether the effect of calmodulin inhibitors is specific and involves CaM-dependent gating of gap junction coupling in Hensen cells is discussed.

Assembly of gap junction channels: mechanism, effects of calmodulin antagonists and identification of connexin oligomerization determinants

The assembly of connexins (Cxs) into gap junction intercellular communication channels was studied. An in vitro cell-free synthesis system showed that formation of the hexameric connexon hemichannels involved dimeric and tetrameric connexin intermediates. Cx32 contains two putative cytoplasmic calmodulin-binding sites, and their role in gap junction channel assembly was investigated. The oligomerization of Cx32 into connexons was reversibly inhibited by a calmodulin-binding synthetic peptide, and by W7, a naphthalene sulfonamide calmodulin antagonist. Removing the calmodulin-binding site located at the carboxyl tail of Cx32 limited connexon formation and resulted in an accumulation of intermediate connexin oligomers. This truncation mutant, Cx32Delta215, when transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, accumulated intracellularly and had failed to target to gap junctions. Immunoprecipitation studies suggested that a C-terminal sequence of Cx32 incorporating the calmodulin-binding site was required for the formation of hetero-oligomers of Cx26 and Cx32 but not for Cx32 homomeric association. A chimera, Cx32TM3CFTR, in which the third transmembrane and proposed channel lining sequence of Cx32 was substituted by a transmembrane sequence of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, did not oligomerize in vitro and it accumulated intracellularly when expressed in COS-7 cells. The results indicate that amino-acid sequences in the third transmembrane domain and a calmodulin-binding domain in the cytoplasmic tail of Cx32 are likely candidates for regulating connexin oligomerization.

Calmodulin colocalizes with connexins and plays a direct role in gap junction channel gating

The direct calmodulin (CaM) role in chemical gating was tested with CaM mutants, expressed in oocytes, and CaM-connexin labeling methods. CaMCC, a CaM mutant with greater Ca-sensitivity obtained by replacing the N-terminal EF hand pair with a duplication of the C-terminal pair, drastically increased the chemical gating sensitivity of Cx32 channels and decreased their Vj sensitivity. This only occurred when CaMCC was expressed before Cx32, suggesting that CaMCC, and by extension CaM, interacts with Cx32 before junction formation. Direct CaM-Cx interaction at junctional and cytoplasmic spots was demonstrated by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy in HeLa cells transfected with Cx32 and in cryosectioned mouse liver. This was confirmed in HeLa cells coexpressing Cx32-GFP (green) and CaM-RFP (red) or Cx32-CFP (cyan) and CaM-YFP (yellow) fusion proteins. Significantly, these cells did not form gap junctions. In contrast, HeLa cells expressing only one of the two fusion proteins (Cx32-GFP, Cx32-CFP, CaM-RFP or CaM-YFP) revealed both junctional and non-junctional fluorescent spots. In these cells, CaM-Cx32 colocalization was demonstrated by secondary immunofluorescent labeling of Cx32 in cells expressing CaM-YFP or CaM in cells expressing Cx32-GFP. CaM-Cx colocalization was further demonstrated at rat liver gap junctions by Freeze-fracture Replica Immunogold Labeling (FRIL).

Calmodulin directly gates gap junction channels

Cytosolic changes control gap junction channel gating via poorly understood mechanisms. In the past two decades calmodulin participation in gating has been suggested, but compelling evidence for it has been lacking. Here we show that calmodulin indeed is associated with gap junctions and plays a direct role in chemical gating. Expression of a calmodulin mutant with the N-terminal EF hand pair replaced by a copy of the C-terminal pair dramatically increases the chemical gating sensitivity of gap junction channels composed of connexin 32 and decreases their sensitivity to transjunctional voltage. The increased chemical gating sensitivity, most likely because of the higher overall Ca(2+) binding affinity of this mutant as compared with native calmodulin, and the decreased voltage sensitivity are only observed when the mutant is expressed before connexin 32. This indicates that the mutant, and by extension native calmodulin, must interact with connexin 32 before gap junctions are formed. Immunofluorescence data suggest further that this interaction leads to incorporation of native or mutant calmodulin into the connexon as an integral regulatory subunit.

The molecular basis of selective permeability of connexins is complex and includes both size and charge

Although gap junction channels are still widely viewed as large, non-specific pores connecting cells, the diversity in the connexin family has led more attention to be focused on their permeability characteristics. We summarize here the current status of these investigations, both published and on-going, that reveal both charge and size selectivity between gap junction channels composed of different connexins. In particular, this review will focus on quantitative approaches that monitor the expression level of the connexins, so that it is clear that differences that are seen can be attributed to channel properties. The degree of selectivity that is observed is modest compared to other channels, but is likely to be significant for biological molecules that are labile within the cell. Of particular relevance to the in vivo function of gap junctions, recent studies are summarized that demonstrate that the connexin phenotype can control the nature of the endogenous traffic between cells, with consequent effects on biological effects of gap junctions such as tumor suppression.

Connexin 32 of gap junctions contains two cytoplasmic calmodulin-binding domains

A fluorescent calmodulin derivative, 2-chloro-[4-(epsilon-amino-Lys75)]-[6-(4- diethylaminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-4-yl]-calmodulin (TA-calmodulin) [Török and Trentham (1994) Biochemistry 33, 12807-12820], and equilibrium fluorescence methods were used to identify calmodulin-binding domains of connexin subunits of gap junctions. Synthetic peptides corresponding to six extramembrane regions of connexin 32, a major component of rat liver gap junctions, and peptides derived from connexin 43 and 26, were tested. Two cytoplasmically oriented peptides that correspond to an N-terminal 21-amino-acid sequence and a 15-amino-acid sequence at the C-terminal tail of connexin 32 bound TA-calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The dissociation constants (Kd) of TA-calmodulin binding to GAP 10 (MNWTGLYTLLSGVNRHSTAIG, residues 1-21) and GAP 8M (ACARRAQRRSNPPSR, residues 216-230) were 27 nM and 1.2 microM respectively at 150 mM ionic strength, 2 mM MgCl2, 100 microM CaCl2, pH 7.0 and 21 degrees C. Both halves of each peptide were required for calmodulin binding. Substitution of Trp3 present in all connexins by Tyr increased Kd for TA-calmodulin by 40-fold. Liver gap junctions (whose connexons contain mainly connexin 32) and recombinant connexons constructed of connexin 26 expressed by baculovirus-infected insect cells exhibited weaker binding of TA-calmodulin with variable Ca2+-dependence. These studies identify two calmodulin-binding amino-acid sequences in connexin 32, and provide independent evidence that calmodulin may function as an intracellular ligand, regulating Ca2+-dependent intercellular communication across gap junctions.

Connexin domains relevant to the chemical gating of gap junction channels

Most cells exchange ions and small metabolites via gap junction channels. These channels are made of two hemichannels (connexons), each formed by the radial arrangement of six connexin (Cx) proteins. Connexins span the bilayer four times (M1-M4) and have both amino- and carboxy-termini (NT, CT) at the cytoplasmic side of the membrane, forming two extracellular loops (E1, E2) and one inner (IL) loop. The channels are regulated by gates that close with cytosolic acidification (e.g., CO2 treatment) or increased calcium concentration, possibly via calmodulin activation. Although gap junction regulation is still unclear, connexin domains involved in gating are being defined. We have recently focused on the CO2 gating sensitivity of Cx32, Cx38 and various mutants and chimeras expressed in Xenopus oocytes and studied by double voltage clamp. Cx32 is weakly sensitive to CO2, whereas Cx38 is highly sensitive. A Cx32 chimera containing the second half of the inner loop (IL2) of Cx38 was as sensitive to CO2 as Cx38, indicating that this domain plays an important role. Deletion of CT by 84% did not affect CO2 sensitivity, but replacement of 5 arginines (R) with asparagines (N) at the beginning of CT (C1) greatly enhanced the CO2 sensitivity of Cx32. This suggests that whereas most of CT is irrelevant, positive charges of C1 maintain the CO2 sensitivity of Cx32 low. As a hypothesis we have proposed a model that involves charge interaction between negative residues of the beginning of IL (IL1) and positive residues of either C1 or IL2. Open and closed channels would result from IL1-C1 and IL1-IL2 interactions, respectively.

A characterization of permolybdate and its effect on cellular tyrosine phosphorylation, gap junctional intercellular communication and phosphorylation status of the gap junction protein, connexin43

Biological and analytical characterizations of permolybdate (a mixture of H2O2 and molybdate) were done. Molybdate (10 mM) and molybdenum(V) chloride (3 mM) did not affect gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), phosphorylation status of connexin43 (Cx43) or cellular tyrosine phosphorylation in early passage hamster embryonic cells (mainly fibroblast-like). High concentrations of H2O2 (3-10 mM) affected some of the parameters. Acidified permolybdate was clearly more stable than the unadjusted permolybdate. The maximum biological potency of acidified permolybdate was found at a molar ratio of 2:1 (H2O2:molybdate). The mixtures of molybdenum(V) chloride and H2O2 gave a maximum effect at 4:1 molar ratio (H2O2:molybdenum(V)). This can be explained by decomposition of H2O2 and by the generation of less biologically active compounds. Spectrophotometric analyses of the mixtures corroborated the biological results. The Mo(V) electron spin resonance spectrum disappeared upon addition of H2O2 to Mo(V) solutions, and no spectrum appeared when H2O2 was mixed with Mo(VI). Thus, permolybdate is probably diperoxomolybdate, a Mo(VI) compound. Regardless of the parent metal salt, the H2O2/metal salt mixtures showed concentration-dependent biphasic responses with an initial decrease in GJIC followed by an increase. A dissociation between alteration in Cx43 phosphorylation status and GJIC was obtained under certain conditions. The biological activities of permolybdate were only partially mimicked by phenylarsine oxide, an alternative protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor.

Characterization of S-100b binding epitopes. Identification of a novel target, the actin capping protein, CapZ

Short amino acid sequences that interact with the Ca2+ binding protein S-100b were identified by screening a bacteriophage random peptide display library. S-100b binding bacteriophages were selected by Ca(2+)-dependent affinity chromatography, and the sequence of the random peptide insert contained in 51 clones was determined. Alignment of the sequence of 44 unique S-100b binding peptides identified a common motif of eight amino acids. A subgroup of peptides that contained sequences with the highest degree of similarity had the consensus motif (K/R)(L/I)XWXXIL, in which predominantly P, S, and N were found in position 3, and S and D were found in position 5. Analysis of sequence databanks identified a similar sequence in the COOH-terminal region of the alpha-subunit of actin capping proteins. The peptide TRTKIDWNKILS (TRTK-12), corresponding to the region of greatest homology within this region of the subunit of actin capping proteins (e.g. amino acids 265-276 in CapZ alpha 1 and CapZ alpha 2), was synthesized and shown by fluorescence spectrophotometry to bind S-100b in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Gel overlay and cross-linking experiments demonstrated the interaction of S-100b with CapZ to be Ca2+ dependent. Moreover, this interaction was blocked by addition of TRTK-12 peptide. These results identify Ca(2+)-dependent S-100b target sequence epitopes and designate the carboxyl terminus of the alpha-subunit of actin capping proteins, like CapZ, to be a target of S-100b activity. The high level of conservation within this region of actin capping proteins and the apparent high affinity of this interaction strongly suggest that the interaction between S-100b and the alpha-subunit of actin capping proteins is biologically significant.

The human lens intrinsic membrane protein MP70 (Cx50) gene: clonal analysis and chromosome mapping

We have isolated and characterized a human genomic clone containing the complete coding region of lens intrinsic membrane protein MP70 (Cx50). The coding region of this DNA is completely contained within one exon, as is common of all connexins investigated to date. The size of the Cx50 coding region, from the initiating ATG to the terminating TGA is 1,299 nucleotides, coding for a polypeptide of 432 amino acids and having a translated molecular weight of 48,171 daltons. This Cx50 coding region DNA was used as a probe to analyze a panel of Southern blots of human-Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrid DNAs to assign the gene coding for Cx50 to its human chromosome. Control human and Chinese hamster DNAs displayed a distinct Eco R1 restriction fragment pattern when hybridized with the human Cx50 DNA probe. When somatic cell hybrid DNAs were restricted with Eco R1 and Southern blots hybridized with the human Cx50 DNA probe, the characteristic human restriction pattern was observed only when human chromosome 1 was present in the hybrid panel. Of the other six connexin genes which have previously been assigned to a human chromosome, two of these, Cx37 and Cx40, are also found on chromosome 1.

The S100 protein family: history, function, and expression

The S100 family of calcium binding proteins contains approximately 16 members each of which exhibits a unique pattern of tissue/cell type specific expression. Although the distribution of these proteins is not restricted to the nervous system, the implication of several members of this family in nervous system development, function, and disease has sparked new interest in these proteins. We now know that the original two members of this family, S100A1 and S100B, can regulate a diverse group of cellular functions including cell-cell communication, cell growth, cell structure, energy metabolism, contraction and intracellular signal transduction. Although some members of the family may function extracellularly, most appear to function as intracellular calcium-modulated proteins and couple extracellular stimuli to cellular responses via interaction with other cellular proteins called target proteins. Interaction of these proteins with target proteins appear to involve cysteine residues (one in S100A1 and two in S100B), as well as a stretch of 13 amino acids, in the middle of the molecule called the linker region, which connects the two EF-hand calcium binding domains. In addition to the amino acid sequence and secondary structures of these proteins, the structures of the genes encoding these proteins are highly conserved. Studies on the expression of these proteins have demonstrated that a complex mixture of transcriptional and postranscriptional mechanisms regulate S100 expression. Further analysis of the function and expression of these proteins in both nervous and nonnervous tissues will provide important information regarding the role of altered S100 expression in nervous system development, function and disease.

Differential distribution of immunoreactive S-100 protein in mammalian testis

The present study deals with the immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein in the testes of seven mammalian species including rat, cat, dog, pig, sheep, cattle and horse. Significant differences are demonstrated in the cellular distribution and intensity of immunoreaction for the protein. In bull, ram, boar and cat testes S-100 protein was localized in the cytoplasm and nuclei of Sertoli cells. A particularly intense staining was seen in the modified Sertoli cells of the terminal tubular segment. With the exception of the cat and horse S-100 protein immunoreactivity was additionally found in epithelial cells of the straight testicular tubules and in the epithelial cells of the rete testis. Endothelial cells of capillaries, veins and lymphatic vessels are regularly S-100 immunoreactive in ruminants. Leydig cells were found to be strongly positive for S-100 protein in the cat and rat testes and to a lower degree in pig and horse testes. Finally a distinct immunostaining of peritubular cells was restricted to the testis of dogs and rats. The remarkable species-specific variations of immunoreactivity for S-100 protein in different cell types of the testis support the hypothesis that S-100 protein is multifunctional protein and may have a different function in testicular physiology.

S-100 protein immunoreactivity in bovine testis

The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein in the bovine testis. Immunoreactivity for the protein was seen in Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules and as a particularly intense staining in the terminal tubular segment (transitional region, middle portion, and terminal plug), which is mainly composed of modified Sertoli cells. Immunoreactivity was also found in epithelial cells of the straight testicular tubules and rete testis, and in the endothelium of capillaries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Although the functional significance of S-100 protein immunoreactivity in the Sertoli cells remains unclear, the present results suggest that it may be involved in the microtubule assembly-disassembly system. The specificity of the immunolabelling observed should enable the antigen and/or antibody to S-100 to be used as an investigative and diagnostic tool in the study of bovine Sertoli cell function.

Perspectives in S-100 protein biology. Review article

The S-100 protein family constitutes a subgroup of Ca(2+)-binding proteins of the EF-hand type comprising three dimeric isoforms, S-100a0, S-100a and S-100b, plus a number of structurally related proteins displaying 28-55% homology with S-100 subunits. S-100 protein was discovered in 1965; yet, its biological functions have not been fully elucidated. The present report will review the putative biological roles of S-100 protein. Both intracellular and extracellular roles have been proposed for S-100 protein. Within cells, S-100 protein has been reported to regulate protein phosphorylation, ATPase, adenylate cyclase, and aldolase activities and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. Also, cytoskeletal systems, namely microtubules and microfilaments have been reported to be regulated by the protein in the presence of Ca2+. Some molecular targets of S-100 protein within cells, have been identified. This is the case with microtubule proteins, caldesmon, and a brain aldolase. S-100 protein has been reported to be secreted; extracellular S-100 protein can stimulate neuronal differentiation, glial proliferation, and prolactin secretion. However, the mechanisms by which S-100 is secreted and stimulates the above processes are largely unknown. Future research should characterize these latter aspects of S-100 biology and find out the linkage between its intracellular effects and its extracellular activities.

Channel reconstitution in liposomes and planar bilayers with HPLC-purified MIP26 of bovine lens

The major intrinsic protein (MIP26) of bovine lens membranes, purified by HPLC, was incorporated into liposomes and planar bilayers. Permeability of MIP26 channels was studied in liposomes by a spectrophotometric osmotic-swelling assay, and channel electrical properties were monitored in planar bilayers following liposome fusion. Particle formation in liposomes was determined by freeze fracture. MIP26 channels were permeable to KCl and sucrose. In planar bilayers, channel-conductance transitions were observed only after addition of liposomes to both chambers and with voltages greater than +/- 20 mV. Channel open probability decreased progressively as voltage increased, and an open probability of 50% was at 60-80 mV, indicating that the channels are voltage dependent. Histograms of single-channel current amplitudes at 80 mV showed a Gaussian distribution that peaked at 10 pA (approximately 120 pS), after subtraction of 1 pA baseline current. Frequency distributions of open and closed times at 80 mV were single exponential functions with time constants of 0.13 and 1.9 sec, respectively. Open time constants ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 sec, and closed time constants ranged from 1 to 7 sec. Cs+ did not decrease conductance, but reduced mean open time from 0.2 to 0.038 sec and mean closed time from 1.5 to 0.38 sec. The increase in channel flickering with Cs+ occurred in bursts. TEA affected neither conductance nor kinetics. Channel events were also observed in Na+ solutions (zero K+). These data indicate that MIP26 channels are not K(+)-selective channels. Channel characteristics such as: permeability to molecules larger than small ions, conductance greater than 100 pS, long open and closed time constants, etc., are similar to those of gap junction channels.

Calmodulin interacts with a C-terminus peptide from the lens membrane protein MIP26

Lens fiber cells are coupled by communicating junctions that comprise over 50% of their appositional surfaces. The main intrinsic protein (MIP26) of lens fibers is a 28.2 kDa protein that forms large gap junction-like channels in reconstituted systems. Previously, we have shown that Ca(++)-activated calmodulin (CaM) regulates the permeability of reconstituted MIP26 channels and changes the conformation of MIP26, as measured by intrinsic fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Examination of the MIP26 amino acid sequence has revealed a basic amphiphilic alpha-helical segment (Pep C) on the C-terminus with residue distribution similar to that found in other CaM binding proteins. To test the interaction between the amphiphilic segment and CaM, both a 20-mer peptide and trp-substituted fluorescent analog have been synthesized and purified by HPLC. Evidence from spectrofluorometric titration shows that the Pep C binds with CaM in 1:1 stoichiometry and with a kd of approximately 10 nM. Neither Ca++ nor H+ alone affects the conformation of the Pep C. However, when mixed with CaM the Pep C undergoes both a dramatic blue-shift in tryptophan fluorescence emission, indicative of strong hydrophobic interaction, and an increase in circular dichroism absorption in the alpha-helical region. Additional fluorescence blue-shift and alpha-helical content occur when Ca++ is added to the CaM:Pep C complex.

Calmodulin activation of calcium-dependent sodium channels in excised membrane patches of Paramecium

Calmodulin is a calcium-binding protein that participates in the transduction of calcium signals. The electric phenotypes of calmodulin mutants of Paramecium have suggested that the protein may regulate some calcium-dependent ion channels. Calcium-dependent sodium single channels in excised patches of the plasma membrane from Paramecium were identified, and their activity was shown to decrease after brief exposure to submicromolar concentrations of calcium. Channel activity was restored to these inactivated patches by adding calmodulin that was isolated from Paramecium to the cytoplasmic surface. This restoration of channel activity did not require adenosine triphosphate and therefore, probably resulted from direct binding of calmodulin, either to the sodium channel itself or to a channel regulator that was associated with the patch membrane.

Phosphorylation of connexin 32, a hepatocyte gap-junction protein, by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

Phosphorylation of connexin 32, the major liver gap-junction protein, was studied in purified liver gap junctions and in hepatocytes. In isolated gap junctions, connexin 32 was phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK), by protein kinase C (PKC) and by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca2+/CaM-PK II). Connexin 26 was not phosphorylated by these three protein kinases. Phosphopeptide mapping of connexin 32 demonstrated that cAMP-PK and PKC primarily phosphorylated a seryl residue in a peptide termed peptide 1. PKC also phosphorylated seryl residues in additional peptides. CA2+/CaM-PK II phosphorylated serine and to a lesser extent, threonine, at sites different from those phosphorylated by the other two protein kinases. A synthetic peptide PSRKGSGFGHRL-amine (residues 228-239 based on the deduced amino acid sequence of rat connexin 32) was phosphorylated by cAMP-PK and by PKC, with kinetic properties being similar to those for other physiological substrates phosphorylated by these enzymes. Ca2+/CaM-PK II did not phosphorylate the peptide. Phosphopeptide mapping and amino acid sequencing of the phosphorylated synthetic peptide indicated that Ser233 of connexin 32 was present in peptide 1 and was phosphorylated by cAMP-PK or by PKC. In hepatocytes labeled with [32P]orthophosphoric acid, treatment with forskolin or 20-deoxy-20-oxophorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBt) resulted in increased 32P-incorporation into connexin 32. Phosphopeptide mapping and phosphoamino acid analysis showed that a seryl residue in peptide 1 was most prominently phosphorylated under basal conditions. Treatment with forskolin or PDBt stimulated the phosphorylation of peptide 1. PDBt treatment also increased the phosphorylation of seryl residues in several other peptides. PDBt did not affect the cAMP-PK activity in hepatocytes. It has previously been shown that phorbol ester reduces dye coupling in several cell types, however in rat hepatocytes, dye coupling was not reduced by treatment with PDBt. Thus, activation of PKC may have differential effects on junctional permeability in different cell types; one source of this variability may be differences in the sites of phosphorylation in different gap-junction proteins.

S-100 protein stimulates cellular proliferation

S-100 protein (S-100p) is a small, acidic, calcium-binding protein that is present (predominantly) in the cytoplasm of many types of cells including those of neuroectodermal origin, such as glial cells, schwann cells and melanocytes. In human melanoma cells S-100p is abundant relative to the small quantities expressed by normal melanocytes. We investigated the possibility that this protein may be a growth factor. Purified S-100p from bovine brain or human melanoma cells was added exogenously to human melanoma cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and their growth in the presence of different concentrations of S-100p was determined using a [3H]dT-uptake proliferation assay. The growth of melanoma cells was stimulated by S-100p at concentrations of 1.95-31.25 micrograms/ml. Slight inhibition of cell proliferation occurred at high concentrations (125 micrograms/ml). Maximum stimulation of PBL was at 31.25 micrograms/ml. PBL were not inhibited even at high concentrations of S-100p (125 micrograms/ml). PBL stimulation by S-100p did not require the presence of monocytes/macrophages. Though stimulation by S-100p is not restricted to a specific cell type, when released by melanoma cells it may function as an "autocrine" tumor growth factor. Other cells, such as PBL, coming in contact with S-100p are also stimulated to proliferate.

Calmodulin acts as an intermediary for the effects of calcium on gap junctions from crayfish lateral axons

Lateral axons from the abdominal nerve cord of crayfish were internally perfused with the calcium receptor calmodulin (CaM) in solutions with low (pCa greater than 7.0) or high (pCa 5.5) calcium concentrations and studied electrophysiologically and morphologically. Results from these experiments show that when the internal solution contains calcium-activated calmodulin (Ca2+-CaM) the junctional resistance between the axons increases from control values of about 60 to 500-600 k omega in 60 min. In contrast, axons perfused with calmodulin in low calcium solutions maintain their junctional resistance at control levels during the 60-min perfusion. Similar results are obtained when only one or both coupled axons are perfused. The morphological study shows that in the perfused axons the axoplasmic organelles are replaced or grossly perturbed by the perfusion solution up to the region of the synapses. Additionally, in axons perfused with Ca2+-CaM there are regions where the synaptic gap between the membranes decreases from a control 4-6 to 2-3 nm. Both electrophysiological and morphological results can be interpreted as indicating that calcium-activated calmodulin acts directly on the junctional channels to induce their closure.

The arthropod gap junction and pseudo-gap junction: isolation and preliminary biochemical analysis

The hepatopancreas of the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, contains an unusual abundance of gap junctions, suggesting that this tissue might provide an ideal source from which to isolate the arthropod-type of gap junction. A membrane fraction obtained by subcellular fractionation of this organ contained smooth septate junctions, zonulae adhaerentes, gap junctions and pentalaminar membrane structures (pseudo-gap junctions) as determined by electron microscopy. A further enrichment of plasma membranes and gap junctions was achieved by the use of linear sucrose gradients and extraction with 5 mM NaOH. The enrichment of gap junctions correlated with the enrichment of a 31 Kd protein band on polyacrylamide gels. Extraction with greater than or equal to 20 mM NaOH or greater than or equal to 0.5% (w/v) Sarkosyl NL97 resulted in the disruption and/or solubilization of gap junctions. Negative staining revealed a uniform population of 9.6 nm diameter subunits within the gap junctions with an apparent sixfold symmetry. Using antisera to the major gap junctional protein of rat liver (32 Kd) and to the lens membrane protein (MP 26), we failed to detect any homologous antigenic components in the arthropod material by immunoblotting-enriched gap junction fractions or by immunofluorescence on tissue sections. The enrichment of another membrane structure (pseudo-gap junctions), closely resembling a gap junction, correlated with the enrichment of two protein bands, 17 and 16 Kd, on polyacrylamide gels. These structures appeared to have originated from intracellular myelin-like figures in phagolysosomal structures. They could be distinguished from gap junctions on the basis of their thickness, detergent-alkali insolubility, and lack of association with other plasma membrane structures, such as the septate junction. Pseudo-gap junctions may be related to a class of pentalaminar contacts among membranes involved in intracellular fusion in many eukaryotic cell types. We conclude that pseudo-gap junctions and gap junctions are different cellular structures, and that gap junctions from this arthropod tissue are uniquely different from mammalian gap junctions of rat liver in their detergent-alkali solubility, equilibrium density on sucrose gradients, and protein content (antigenic properties).

Calmodulin-like proteins and communicating junctions. Electrical uncoupling of crayfish septate axons is inhibited by the calmodulin inhibitor W7 and is not affected by cyclic nucleotides

The effects of W7, a calmodulin (CaM)-inhibitor, and cyclic nucleotides on electrical coupling and uncoupling are studied in crayfish lateral giant axons (septate axons). The septate axons provide a relatively simple two cell system in which both surface membrane and junctional resistance can be measured independently. Four microelectrodes are inserted into a septate axon, two on each side of the septum. Hyperpolarizing current pulses (150 nA) are injected alternatively in the caudal and rostral axon segment and the resulting electrotonic potentials are recorded. The axons are uncoupled at regular intervals by superfusing them with acetate-containing saline solution (pH 6.3) in the presence or absence of W7 (50-100 microM) or, as a control, its nonchlorinated form (W5). W7 strongly inhibits the acetate-induced increased in junctional resistance, while W5 is ineffective. The uncoupling inhibition does not appear to be caused by an increase in cyclic nucleotide concentration, because in preliminary experiments exposure to db-cAMP or db-cGMP (up to 1 mM) does not seem to influence either the basic values of Rj or their changes with acetate. The data confirm previous evidence for a participation of CaM-like proteins in cell-to-cell channel gating.

S-100 proteins

S-100 is a group of closely related, small, acidic Ca2+-binding proteins (S-100a0, S-100a and S-100b, which are alpha alpha, alpha beta, and beta beta in composition, respectively). S-100 is structurally related to calmodulin and other Ca2+-binding proteins. S-100 is abundant in the brain and is contained in well defined cell types of both neuroectodermal and non-neuroectodermal origin, as well as in their neoplastic counterparts. In the mammalian brain, S-100a and S-100b are confined to glial cells, while S-100a0 is neuronal in localization. Single S-100 isoforms bind Ca2+ with nearly the same affinity. K+ antagonizes the binding of Ca2+ to high affinity sites on S-100. S-100 binds Zn2+ with high affinity. S-100 is found in a soluble and a membrane-bound form and has the ability to interact with artificial and natural membranes. S-100 has no enzymatic activity. S-100 has been involved in several activities including memory processes, regulation of diffusion of monovalent cations across membranes, modulation of the physical state of membranes, regulation of the phosphorylation of several proteins, control of the assembly-disassembly of microtubules. Some of these effects are strictly Ca2+-dependent, while other are not. S-100 is being secreted or released to the extracellular space. In some cases, this event is hormonally regulated. Several S-100 binding proteins are being described.

Is the C-terminal arm of lens gap junction channel protein the channel gate?

Lens gap junction channels are studied in a reconstituted system obtained by incorporating into liposomes, with or without calmodulin, the lens junction protein (MIP26) and its trypsin-cleaved product (MIP21) that lacks the C-terminal arm. Channel permeability is studied with an osmotic swelling assay. MIP26 and MIP21 liposomes swell in sucrose or polyethyleneglycol with or without Ca++ indicating the presence of large channels. Without Ca++, MIP26 and MIP21 liposomes swell in both permeants. With Ca++, MIP26-calmodulin liposomes do not swell in either permeant, indicating complete channel closure, while MIP21-calmodulin liposomes swell in sucrose but not in polyethyleneglycol. This suggests that the C-terminal arm participates in channel gating.