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Full-Text Articles in Other Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
Intra- And Inter-Molecular Signaling In A Cardiac Connexin: Role Of Cytoplasmic Domain Dimerization And Phosphorylation, Andrew J. Trease
Intra- And Inter-Molecular Signaling In A Cardiac Connexin: Role Of Cytoplasmic Domain Dimerization And Phosphorylation, Andrew J. Trease
Theses & Dissertations
As critical mediators of cell-to-cell communication, gap junctions (GJs) are comprised of membrane channels that directly link the cytoplasm of adjacent coupled cells thereby allowing for the passage of ions, small metabolites, and secondary messengers. Each channel is formed by the apposition of two connexons from adjacent cells, each composed of six connexin (Cx) proteins. Each GJ channel functions to promote signal propagation and synchronization of cells and tissues in organs. Furthermore, GJs are essential for proper propagation of cardiac action potentials from one cell to the next, leading to the coordinated contraction and relaxation of heart muscle powering circulation. …
Mutations In Rhodopsin Transmembrane Helix 5 And Dimerization Interface, Margaret Pinkevitch
Mutations In Rhodopsin Transmembrane Helix 5 And Dimerization Interface, Margaret Pinkevitch
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins with many functional roles. This family of receptors is expansive, with several subfamilies. Here, a member of subfamily A, rhodopsin (Rho) is studied. Mutations in rhodopsin have been linked to the disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Some of these mutations have been found to disrupt the dimerization/oligomerization of Rho at the TM4/TM5 proposed dimerization interface, causing pathogenesis of RP. In this study, two mutations of transmembrane helix 5 were investigated for changes in dimerization and stability, cell trafficking, and signaling. It was found that the V209M and F220C mutations did not result in …