Connexins and their environment: Effects of lipids composition on ion channels

Citation for published article

Quality by design approach identifies critical parameters driving oxygen delivery performance in vitro for perfluorocarbon based artificial oxygen carriers

DOI

10.1016/j.bbamem.2004.12.001

Peer Reviewed

1

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-10-2005

Publication Title

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes

Keywords

Caveolin, Cholesterol, Connexin, Fatty acid, Gap junction, Ion channel, Lipid raft, Lipid-protein interaction, Membrane lipid

School

Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Primary Author Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Intercellular communication is mediated through paired connexons that form an aqueous pore between two adjacent cells. These membrane proteins reside in the plasma membrane of their respective cells and their activity is modulated by the composition of the lipid bilayer. The effects of the bilayer on connexon structure and function may be direct or indirect, and may arise from specific binding events or the physicochemical properties of the bilayer. While the effects of the bilayer and its constituent lipids on gap junction activity have been described in the literature, the underlying mechanisms of the interaction of connexin with its lipidic microenvironment are not as well characterized. Given that the information regarding connexons is limited, in this review, the specific roles of lipids and the properties of the bilayer on membrane protein structure and function are described for other ion channels as well as for connexons. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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