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pH‐dependent modulation of connexin‐based gap junctional uncouplers
Author(s) -
Skeberdis Vytenis A.,
Rimkute Lina,
Skeberdyte Aiste,
Paulauskas Nerijus,
Bukauskas Feliksas F.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.209072
Subject(s) - connexin , gap junction , chemistry , intracellular , biophysics , histidine , modulation (music) , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , biology , amino acid , philosophy , aesthetics
Non‐technical summary Gap junction channels formed from connexin (Cx) proteins are expressed in a variety of tissues providing exchange of metabolites and electrical communication between cells. We demonstrate that the uncoupling effects of gap junction channel blockers such as long carbon chain alkanols (LCCAs), volatile anaesthetics and the antimalarial drug mefloquine can be modulated by intracellular pH in a Cx‐type‐dependent manner. In addition, we provide data to support the idea that the uncoupling effect of LCCAs and other uncouplers could be related to a modification of hydrogen bonding between histidine residues and uncouplers, and/or inside the Cx structure.