Username

Password

Forgot your password?
Remember Me

Scientific References

References for Dr. Tanelian's Book Molecular Fitness: The Connexin Connection to Optimal Health

Go back

A Calpha model for the transmembrane alpha helices of gap junction intercellular channels.

Fleishman SJ, Unger VM, Yeager M, Ben-Tal N.

Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.

Gap junction channels connect the cytoplasms of apposed cells via an intercellular conduit formed by the end-to-end docking of two hexameric hemichannels called connexons. We used electron cryomicroscopy to derive a three-dimensional density map at 5.7 angstroms in-plane and 19.8 angstroms vertical resolution, allowing us to identify the positions and tilt angles for the 24 alpha helices within each hemichannel. The four hydrophobic segments in connexin sequences were assigned to the alpha helices in the map based on biochemical and phylogenetic data. Analyses of evolutionary conservation and compensatory mutations in connexin evolution identified the packing interfaces between the helices. The final model, which specifies the coordinates of Calpha atoms in the transmembrane domain, provides a structural basis for understanding the different physiological effects of almost 30 mutations and polymorphisms in terms of structural deformations at the interfaces between helices, revealing an intimate connection between molecular structure and disease. Copyright 2004 Cell Press

Go back

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment.