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Title: Cell/cell channel formation involves disulfide exchange. Author: Dahl G, Levine E, Rabadan-Diehl C, Werner R. Journal: Eur J Biochem; 1991 Apr 10; 197(1):141-4. PubMed ID: 1707811. Abstract: The oocyte cell/cell-channel assay was used to identify amino acids involved in the process of cell/cell-channel formation. The expression of the rat liver gap-junction protein, connexin 32, in single oocytes, results in the accumulation of a pool of channel precursors. Upon pairing of such oocytes, cell/cell channels form rapidly from this pool. The rate of formation is affected by thiol-specific reagents and the pH. This suggests the involvement of extracellular cysteine residues in the channel formation process. Two connexin-32 mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis in which cysteine residues were replaced by serine. Both mutant connexins were unable to form cell/cell channels. Thus, the cysteine residues appear to play an important role in the channel formation process.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]