MS 8-7: The Neuronal Connexin 36 (C36) Binds to a Major Cytoskeleton Protein

Gap junctions are specialized channels connecting adjacent cells for direct passage of small molecules (<1 kDa) or electrical coupling between neigbouring cells. The channels are composed of connexins, a large family of homologous proteins. In vivo connexin genes arc differentially expressed during the development of the nervous system. The complex mechanisms of connexin mediated intercellular communication suggest that synchronization, regulation or restriction of the signal flow could an exciting role of gap junctional communication during neural development and in the adult nervous system. In order to understand how connexin channels are connected to the intracellular protein network we have searched for proteins specifically associated with the neuronal connexin protein C36 in mouse brain and neuronal stem cell lines. The identification of numerous potential interaction partners using protein fractions obtained by GST-pulldown or IPs and the shotgun proteome analysis tool MudPIT has uncovered a link between C36 and the cytoskeleton. We will demonstrate the binding of a major cytoskeleton protein using molecular, cellular and biochemical methods as well as time- lapse videomicroscopy.

Supported by: SFP509, DFG

Zoidl. G*, Gantas, A*, Theiss, C.#, Walters, D. [dagger], DeStefano, M.*, Zoidl, C.*, Meller, K.#, and Dermietzel, R.*

* Dept. Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, # Dept. Cytology, [dagger] Dept. Biomolecular Spectroscopy and Analysis Ruhr- University Bochum

Copyright Urban & Fischer Verlag Mar 2004