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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Functional Assay for Gap Junctional Examination; Electroporation of Adherent Cells on Indium-Tin Oxide
Published on: October 18, 2014
Phosphatase-resistant gap junctions inhibit pathological remodeling and prevent arrhythmias
Benjamin F Remo1, Jiaxiang Qu, Frank M Volpicelli
1Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First Ave, Smilow 801, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Connexin43 (Cx43) phosphorylation regulates cardiac gap junctions. Phosphomimetic Cx43 prevented remodeling and arrhythmias, while nonphosphorylatable Cx43 worsened them, revealing a key role in heart function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Cardiology
- Ion Channel Regulation
Background:
- Posttranslational phosphorylation of connexin43 (Cx43) is implicated in cardiac gap junction regulation.
- Its precise role in intact organisms and pathological remodeling remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of specific Cx43 phosphorylation events on gap junction expression and remodeling.
- To determine the functional consequences of altered Cx43 phosphorylation in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Generated Cx43 germline knock-in mouse models: S3E (phosphomimetic) and S3A (nonphosphorylatable) mutants.
- Assessed cardiac gap junction remodeling, electrical remodeling, and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias.
Main Results:
- S3E mice exhibited resistance to pathological gap junction remodeling and reduced arrhythmia susceptibility.
- S3A mice displayed impaired cardiac gap junction formation/function, electrical remodeling, and increased arrhythmia susceptibility.
- Demonstrated distinct effects of phosphomimetic versus nonphosphorylatable Cx43 mutations.
Conclusions:
- Established a mechanistic link between Cx43 phosphorylation and cardiac gap junction dynamics.
- Cx43 phosphorylation is critical for maintaining normal gap junction function and preventing pathological remodeling.
- Cx43 phosphorylation status directly impacts susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias.
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