Regulation of Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels by Calcium and Calcium Binding Protein Calmodulin. 2020

Zhengping Hu, and Manuel A Riquelme, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Connexins are the structural components of gap junctions and hemichannels that mediate the communication and exchange of small molecules between cells, and between the intracellular and extracellular environment, respectively. Connexin (Cx) 46 is predominately expressed in lens fiber cells, where they function in maintaining the homeostasis and transparency of the lens. Cx46 mutations are associated with impairment of channel function, which results in the development of congenital cataracts. Cx46 gap junctions and hemichannels are closely regulated by multiple mechanisms. Key regulators of Cx46 channel function include Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM). Ca2+ plays an essential role in lens homeostasis, and its dysregulation causes cataracts. Ca2+ associated CaM is a well-established inhibitor of gap junction coupling. Recent studies suggest that elevated intracellular Ca2+ activates Cx hemichannels in lens fiber cells and Cx46 directly interacts with CaM. A Cx46 site mutation (Cx46-G143R), which is associated with congenital Coppock cataracts, shows an increased Cx46-CaM interaction and this interaction is insensitive to Ca2+, given that depletion of Ca2+ reduces the interaction between CaM and wild-type Cx46. Moreover, inhibition of CaM function greatly reduces the hemichannel activity in the Cx46 G143R mutant. These research findings suggest a new regulatory mechanism by which enhanced association of Cx46 with CaM leads to the increase in hemichannel activity and dysregulation may lead to cataract development. In this review, we will first discuss the involvement of Ca2+/CaM in lens homeostasis and pathology, and follow by providing a general overview of Ca2+/CaM in the regulation of Cx46 gap junctions. We discuss the most recent studies concerning the molecular mechanism of Ca2+/CaM in regulating Cx46 hemichannels. Finally, we will offer perspectives of the impacts of Ca2+/CaM and dysregulation on Cx46 channels and vice versa.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007908 Lens, Crystalline A transparent, biconvex structure of the EYE, enclosed in a capsule and situated behind the IRIS and in front of the vitreous humor (VITREOUS BODY). It is slightly overlapped at its margin by the ciliary processes. Adaptation by the CILIARY BODY is crucial for OCULAR ACCOMMODATION. Eye Lens,Lens, Eye,Crystalline Lens
D009154 Mutation Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations. Mutations
D002118 Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D002135 Calcium-Binding Proteins Proteins to which calcium ions are bound. They can act as transport proteins, regulator proteins, or activator proteins. They typically contain EF HAND MOTIFS. Calcium Binding Protein,Calcium-Binding Protein,Calcium Binding Proteins,Binding Protein, Calcium,Binding Proteins, Calcium,Protein, Calcium Binding,Protein, Calcium-Binding
D002147 Calmodulin A heat-stable, low-molecular-weight activator protein found mainly in the brain and heart. The binding of calcium ions to this protein allows this protein to bind to cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and to adenyl cyclase with subsequent activation. Thereby this protein modulates cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels. Calcium-Dependent Activator Protein,Calcium-Dependent Regulator,Bovine Activator Protein,Cyclic AMP-Phosphodiesterase Activator,Phosphodiesterase Activating Factor,Phosphodiesterase Activator Protein,Phosphodiesterase Protein Activator,Regulator, Calcium-Dependent,AMP-Phosphodiesterase Activator, Cyclic,Activating Factor, Phosphodiesterase,Activator Protein, Bovine,Activator Protein, Calcium-Dependent,Activator Protein, Phosphodiesterase,Activator, Cyclic AMP-Phosphodiesterase,Activator, Phosphodiesterase Protein,Calcium Dependent Activator Protein,Calcium Dependent Regulator,Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase Activator,Factor, Phosphodiesterase Activating,Protein Activator, Phosphodiesterase,Protein, Bovine Activator,Protein, Calcium-Dependent Activator,Protein, Phosphodiesterase Activator,Regulator, Calcium Dependent
D005786 Gene Expression Regulation Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control (induction or repression) of gene action at the level of transcription or translation. Gene Action Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression,Expression Regulation, Gene,Regulation, Gene Action,Regulation, Gene Expression
D006706 Homeostasis The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable. Autoregulation
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D017433 Protein Structure, Secondary The level of protein structure in which regular hydrogen-bond interactions within contiguous stretches of polypeptide chain give rise to ALPHA-HELICES; BETA-STRANDS (which align to form BETA-SHEETS), or other types of coils. This is the first folding level of protein conformation. Secondary Protein Structure,Protein Structures, Secondary,Secondary Protein Structures,Structure, Secondary Protein,Structures, Secondary Protein

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