Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
1992-11-6
pubmed:databankReference
pubmed:abstractText
Gap junctions contain intercellular channels which are formed by members of a group of related proteins called connexins. Connexins contain conserved transmembrane and extracellular domains, but unique cytoplasmic regions which may provide connexin-specific physiologic properties. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and cDNA library screening to clone DNA encoding a novel member of this gene family, rat connexin40 (Cx40). The derived rat Cx40 polypeptide contains 356 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 40,233 Da. Sequence comparisons suggest that Cx40 is the mammalian homologue of chick connexin42, but it has predicted cytoplasmic regions that differ from previously described mammalian connexins. Southern blots of rat genomic DNA suggest that Cx40 is encoded by a single copy gene containing no introns within its coding region. Northern blots demonstrate that Cx40 is expressed in multiple tissues (including lung, heart, uterus, ovary, and blood vessels) and in primary cultures and established lines of vascular smooth muscle cells. Cx40 is coexpressed with connexin43 in several cell types, including A7r5 cells, which contain two physiologically distinct gap junctional channels. To demonstrate that Cx40 could form functional channels, we stably transfected communication-deficient Neuro2A cells with Cx40 DNA. These Cx40-transfected cells showed intercellular passage of microinjected Lucifer yellow CH. The expression of multiple connexins (such as Cx40 and Cx43) by a single cell may provide a mechanism by which cells regulate intercellular coupling through the formation of multiple channels.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Apr
pubmed:issn
0022-2631
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
127
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
69-76
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1992
pubmed:articleTitle
Molecular cloning and expression of rat connexin40, a gap junction protein expressed in vascular smooth muscle.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't