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Related Experiment Videos

Gap junction dynamics: reversible effects of hydrogen ions

C Peracchia, L L Peracchia

    The Journal of Cell Biology
    |December 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary

    Low pH reversibly crystallizes gap junction particle packing in calf lens fibers, suggesting protons act as uncoupling agents. This structural change, observed via freeze-fracture, reveals potential tetrameric particle shapes.

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    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Biophysics
    • Ophthalmology

    Background:

    • Gap junctions mediate intercellular communication in tissues like the lens.
    • Intramembrane particle packing reflects junctional structure and function.
    • Understanding factors affecting gap junction conformation is crucial for tissue homeostasis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of pH on the structural organization of gap junctions in calf lens fibers.
    • To determine if protons can induce conformational changes similar to known uncoupling agents.
    • To explore the potential shape of gap junction particles.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of gap junctions from calf lens fibers.
    • Exposure of isolated gap junctions to varying pH levels (low pH, pH 6.5 or lower).
    • Freeze-fracture electron microscopy to visualize particle packing and structure.
    • Comparison of structural changes induced by low pH with those from uncoupling treatments.

    Main Results:

    • Low pH (≥ 3 x 10(-7) M H+) induced reversible crystallization of intramembrane particle packing.
    • The observed structural changes were similar to those caused by uncoupling agents in intact cells.
    • Particles in low pH-treated junctions predominantly formed orthogonal and rhombic arrays.
    • Glutaraldehyde fixation and cryoprotective treatments did not alter the freeze-fracture appearance.

    Conclusions:

    • Protons (H+), similar to divalent cations, may function as an uncoupling agent for gap junctions.
    • The structural rearrangements observed suggest that gap junction particles in lens fibers might be tetrameric in shape.
    • Low pH provides a method to study reversible structural changes in gap junction connexons.

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