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Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:34

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Nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursors are imported to the inner membrane in a multistep process involving two separate translocons, TIM22 and TIM23. TIM23 is a cation-selective pore that remains closed by the N terminal segment of the protein. Negative charges on the TIM23 act as a receptor for the incoming precursor, pulling the positively charged matrix-targeting sequence for peptide insertion and translocation.
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Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...
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Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
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Connexin 43 in Mitochondria: What Do We Really Know About Its Function?

Kerstin Boengler1, Luc Leybaert2, Marisol Ruiz-Meana3

  • 1Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.

Frontiers in Physiology
|July 21, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Mitochondrial connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a role in cell function and disease. This review covers Cx43

Keywords:
GJA1-20kconnexinhemichannelischemia-reperfusion injurymitochondriapreconditioning

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Mitochondrial Research
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Connexins mediate cell communication via gap junctions and hemichannels.
  • Connexins, particularly connexin 43 (Cx43), are increasingly found within mitochondria.
  • Mitochondrial Cx43's role in cellular function and pathology is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for Cx43 presence in mitochondria.
  • To summarize Cx43's mitochondrial localization, import, and phosphorylation.
  • To discuss the impact of mitochondrial Cx43 on mitochondrial function and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating Cx43 in cellular and organelle contexts.
  • Analysis of data on Cx43 localization, import, and phosphorylation within mitochondria.
  • Synthesis of findings on Cx43's influence on mitochondrial respiration, permeability transition pore, and reactive oxygen species.

Main Results:

  • Cx43 is present in mitochondria across various cell types and organs.
  • Mitochondrial Cx43 influences key mitochondrial functions, including respiration and ROS production.
  • A truncated form, Gja1-20k, also exists within mitochondria.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial Cx43 is a significant factor in cellular physiology.
  • Dysregulation of mitochondrial Cx43 is implicated in pathological conditions, especially cardiac disease.
  • Further research into mitochondrial Cx43 is warranted for therapeutic development.