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Connexin 30.2 is expressed in mouse pancreatic beta cells

C Coronel-Cruz1, B Hernández-Tellez, R López-Vancell

  • 1Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF 04510, México.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Connexin (Cx) 30.2, previously unknown in pancreatic beta cells, is expressed in both beta cells and vascular endothelial cells. This gap junction protein

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Connexin (Cx) 36 is currently recognized as the primary gap junction protein in pancreatic beta cells.
  • The presence and role of other connexins, such as Cx30.2, in pancreatic islets remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and localization of connexin (Cx) 30.2 mRNA and protein within mouse pancreatic islets.
  • To determine the cellular distribution of Cx30.2 in beta cells and other islet cell types, including vascular endothelial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect Cx30.2 mRNA.
  • Western blot analysis to confirm Cx30.2 protein expression.
  • Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy for cellular and subcellular localization studies, including co-localization with insulin and CD31.

Main Results:

  • Cx30.2 mRNA and protein were detected in isolated mouse pancreatic islet preparations.
  • Immunohistochemistry revealed Cx30.2 expression in insulin-positive beta cells and co-localization with Cx36 at junctional membranes.
  • Cx30.2 was also found in vascular endothelial cells (CD31-positive) and its expression decreased under high glucose conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Connexin (Cx) 30.2 is expressed in both pancreatic beta cells and vascular endothelial cells within mouse islets.
  • Cx30.2 is present in beta cell cytoplasm and cell membranes, and at junctional sites, potentially interacting with Cx36.
  • Glucose levels influence Cx30.2 mRNA expression in pancreatic islets, suggesting a role in glucose-mediated regulation.
Keywords:
Beta cellsCx30.2Cx36Gap junctionsGlucose

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