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Full-Text Articles in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
Mechanisms Of Connexin-46 And -50 Intercellular Channel Function And Stability By Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Bassam George Haddad
Mechanisms Of Connexin-46 And -50 Intercellular Channel Function And Stability By Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Bassam George Haddad
Dissertations and Theses
Gap junctions make up a class of intercellular channels that characteristically connect the cytoplasm of directly apposed cells through large assemblies, or plaques, constituted by a multitude of intercellular channels. Gap junction mediated intercellular communication is critical for a variety of physiological functions, from coordinating electrical impulses in the heart and brain to maintaining homeostasis in most tissues. There are 21 isoforms of connexins, the constituent subunit of the gap junction, expressed in a tissue dependent manner. Gap junctions formed from different isoforms exhibit distinct biophysical properties, such as gating kinetics and sensitivity, as well as unique permeability and selectivity …
Functional Role Of The N-Terminal Domain In Connexin 46/50 By In Silico Mutagenesis And Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Umair Khan
University Honors Theses
Connexins form intercellular channels known as gap junctions that facilitate diverse physiological roles, from long-range electrical and chemical coupling to nutrient exchange. Recent structural studies on Cx46 and Cx50 have defined a novel and stable open state and implicated the amino-terminal (NT) domain as a major contributor to functional differences between connexin isoforms. This thesis presents two studies which use molecular dynamics simulations with these new structures to provide mechanistic insight into the function and behavior of the NTH in Cx46 and Cx50. In the first, residues in the NTH that differ between Cx46 and Cx50 are swapped between the …