This proposal explores the structure-function of the connexin channel by the use of pore blockers, focusing on two connexins in which defects cause neurological pathologies. Connexin protein forms gap junction channels, which are pathways for direct movement between cells of ions and cytoplasmic molecules, including most known second messengers. Serious pathologies arise from connexin defects, including demyelination, deafness, skin disorders and cataracts, depending on the connexin isoform affected. Despite acute biological and medical interest, the mechanism of the defining property of connexin channels - the ability of the pore to mediate selective molecular permeability between cells - has not been elucidated. Investigation of the structure and function of connexin pores has been hampered by the absence of molecular reagents that enter and bind in the pore. This class of reagents (""""""""pore blockers"""""""") has been of inestimable value in elucidation of the structure-function of permeation of other channels. This project applies newly identified connexin pore blockers to investigate the connexin pore, and to thus obtain key information that has been long desired. Preliminary studies have identified two classes of carbohydrate-based connexin pore blockers, and established their feasibility as investigational tools of connexin channels. For the first class, novel glycinamide derivatives of aminobenzoic acid glycinamides (ABGs) were designed and conjugated to a size-indexed set of maltosaccharides. The resulting ABG-glycoconjugates act as reversible, high affinity blockers of molecular permeation through connexin pores in a size- and connexin-specific manner, whereas the maltosaccharides or the ABGs alone do not block. The second class of blockers are cyclodextrins (CDs), which are cyclized glucosaccharides. They also block connexin pores in a reversible, size-specific manner. For both classes of blockers, the correlation between the size of the molecule required for block and the relative width of the pore (determined using a size-indexed series of permeable sugars) indicate that their site of action is within the pore. The proposed studies build on this work.
Aim 1 investigates the chemical determinants and mechanism of the intra-pore binding of the ABG- glycoconjugates.
Aim 2 initiates application of the ABG-sugars to the study of connexin channels.
Aim 3 utilizes naturally-occurring and modified CDs to probe the connexin pore. The projects primarily utilize a well- characterized reconstitution system to study heterologously-expressed connexin channels to obtain information unavailable by other means. It is anticipated that the development and application of these pore blockers will enable and inform the biophysical and cellular studies required to define the molecular mechanisms of intercellular communication in development and disease. In the present proposal, this analysis will be applied to Cx32 and Cx26, defects in which cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease neuropathy and sensorineural deafness, respectively. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS056509-01A1
Application #
7155886
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-F (02))
Program Officer
Stewart, Randall R
Project Start
2006-09-01
Project End
2010-08-31
Budget Start
2006-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$334,890
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
623946217
City
Newark
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07107
Kwon, Taekyung; Roux, BenoƮt; Jo, Sunhwan et al. (2012) Molecular dynamics simulations of the Cx26 hemichannel: insights into voltage-dependent loop-gating. Biophys J 102:1341-51
Kwon, Taekyung; Harris, Andrew L; Rossi, Angelo et al. (2011) Molecular dynamics simulations of the Cx26 hemichannel: evaluation of structural models with Brownian dynamics. J Gen Physiol 138:475-93
Locke, Darren; Bian, Shengjie; Li, Hong et al. (2009) Post-translational modifications of connexin26 revealed by mass spectrometry. Biochem J 424:385-98
Yeager, Mark; Harris, Andrew L (2007) Gap junction channel structure in the early 21st century: facts and fantasies. Curr Opin Cell Biol 19:521-8