Gap junction alpha-1 protein (UniProt: P08050; also known as Connexin-43, CX43, Gap junction 43 kDa heart protein) is encoded by the Gja1 (also known as Cxn-43) gene (Gene ID: 24392) in rat. The gap junction channels are dodecamers of transmembrane proteins of the connexin family. Connexins usually have a short half-life ( 1.5 - 5 h) and this short half-life is a key element of coupling regulation as it allows very dynamic and acute changes in gap junction regulation and gap junctional communication. In cardiomyocytes three types of connexins have been identified: Connexin 40, 43, and 45. Each of these connexins form channels with unique and specific electrophysiological properties. Connexin-43 is a multi-pass membrane protein and is the most ubiquitous connexin with widespread tissue expression pattern. Connexin-43 can be phosphorylated at multiple sites and phosphorylation is shown to regulate the kinetics of its trafficking, assembly, gating and turnover in a cell-cycle-stage specific manner. Phosphorylation at Ser325, Ser328 and Ser330 by casein kinase I is reported to modulate gap junction assembly while phosphorylation of Ser368 by protein kinase C gamma isoform leads to disassembly of gap junction plaques and inhibition of gap junction activity. During myocardial ischemia connexin-43 is shown to become dephosphorylated that allows gap junctions to be opened and convey the propagation of ischemia injury. In bladder smooth muscle cells, connexin-43 displays a circadian cycle with low levels during the sleep phase.
Synonyms: Gap junction alpha-1 protein, CX43, Gap junction 43 kDa heart protein
Application: Western Blotting Analysis: A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in Western Blotting applications (Sosinsky, G.E., et. al. (2007). Biochem. 408(3):375-85).Western Blotting Analysis (WB): A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in NRK cells (Courtesy of Joell Solan in Paul Lampe s Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA).Western Blotting Analysis: A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in Western Blotting applications (Kalcheva, N., et. al. (2007). Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 104(51):20512-6).Western Blotting Analysis: 1-4 µg/mL from a representative lot detected Connexin 43 in 10 µg of rat and mouse heart tissue lysates.Immunocytochemistry Analysis: A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in Immunocytochemistry applications (Gellhaus, A., et. al. (2004). J Biol Chem. 279(35):36931-42).Western Blotting Analysis: A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in Western Blotting applications (Goldberg, G.S., et. al. (2002). J Biol Chem. 277(39):36725-30).Western Blotting Analysis: A representative lot detected Connexin 43 in Western Blotting applications (Solan, J.L., et. al. (2003). J Cell Sci. 116(Pt 11):2203-11).
Other Notes: Concentration: Please refer to lot specific datasheet.