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Gap junction channel gating.

Feliksas F Bukauskas¹, Vytas K Verselis

¹Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, New York, NY 10461-1602, USA. fbukaysk@aecom.yu.edu

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|March 23, 2004

Summary

Gap junction (GJ) channels have two distinct gating mechanisms: fast and slow. These mechanisms, influenced by voltage and other factors, control channel opening and ion flow.

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Gap junctions (GJs) are crucial for intercellular communication.
Previous understanding proposed a single voltage-sensitive gating mechanism for GJ channels.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the distinct gating mechanisms within GJ channels.
To differentiate the roles of fast and slow gating in channel function.

Main Methods:

Review and synthesis of published research on GJ channel gating.
Analysis of connexin structure and function related to gating.

Main Results:

GJ channels possess two distinct gating mechanisms: fast and slow (or 'loop') gating.
Fast gating is primarily V(j)-sensitive, transitioning between open and residual states.
Slow gating, also V(j)-sensitive, is influenced by V(m), Ca(2+), pH, and chemical uncouplers, exhibiting slower transitions through substates.

Conclusions:

The fast gating mechanism involves connexin N-termini and controls rapid transitions.
The slow gating mechanism likely involves a common gate in the central pore, sensing multiple factors.
This dual gating system provides nuanced control over GJ channel permeability and cellular communication.

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