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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. …