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Connexin43 is another gap junction protein in the peripheral nervous system
T Yoshimura1, M Satake, T Kobayashi
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is found in Schwann cell bodies, not myelin, and its expression is less affected by axonal contact or cyclic AMP. Cx43 may play a role in peripheral nervous system myelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cells often express multiple connexins (Cxs).
- Investigating Cx expression beyond Cx32 in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Cxs other than Cx32 are expressed in the PNS.
- To characterize the expression patterns and localization of Cx43 in the PNS.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis to detect Cx mRNA in rat sciatic nerve and Schwann cell cultures.
- Western blot and immunohistochemistry to detect Cx43 protein.
- Analysis of Cx43 expression following sciatic nerve crush injury and during development.
Main Results:
- Cx43 mRNA and protein were detected in rat sciatic nerve and Schwann cells, but not in PNS myelin.
- Cx43 expression was relatively stable after crush injury, unlike Po.
- Cx43 expression peaked early in postnatal development, suggesting a role in myelination.
Conclusions:
- Cx43 is localized to Schwann cell bodies, distinct from Cx32.
- Cx43 expression is less dependent on axonal contact and cyclic AMP compared to Po.
- Cx43 likely plays a role in PNS myelination, with functions differing from Cx32.
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