Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir6.1

Title: Adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel (Kir6.1): a novel phosphospecific interaction partner of connexin 43 (Cx43).

Authors: Ajaz Ahmad Waza, Khurshid Andrabi, Mahboob Ul Hussain

Journal, date & volume: Exp. Cell Res., 2012 Dec 10 , 318, 2559-66

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22960107

Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a phosphoprotein expressed in a wide variety of cells. Cx43 and adenosine-triphosphate-sensitive K(+)channels [K(+)(ATP)] are part of same signaling pathway that regulates cell survival during stress and ischemia preconditioning. Molecular mechanism for their coordinated role in ischemia/hypoxia preconditioning is not well known. Using pull down, co-immunoprecipitation assays and co-localization studies we provide evidence, for the first time that Kir6.1, a K(+)(ATP) channel protein component, can interact with Cx43. Further we show that the interaction was phospho-specific such that Cx43 phosphorylated at serine 262 (S262) interacted with Kir6.1 in preference to the unphosphorylated form of Cx43. Introduction of phospho-deficient mutation at serine 262 (S262A) in Cx43 completely abolished the interaction. Our data provide an interesting lead about a possible partnership between Cx43 and Kir6.1, which will help in better understanding their role in ischemia/hypoxia preconditioning.