Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.
IBC-DDT

Site Tools

  • AAAS
  • Subscribe
  • Feedback

Site Search

Search Advanced

Science 11 January 2002:
Vol. 295. no. 5553, pp. 319 - 320
DOI: 10.1126/science.1067582
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Reports

Unique and Redundant Connexin Contributions to Lens Development

Thomas W. White

Connexin genes encode intercellular channels that help to coordinate development. In mice, the targeted deletion of different connexins produces disparate effects on ocular growth and differentiation in the lens, and the need for multiple channel subunits is poorly understood. Knockout of Cx46 causes a loss of homeostasis and cataracts. Deletion of Cx50 results in reduced ocular growth and cataracts. Targeted replacement of Cx50 with Cx46 by genetic knock-in corrected defects in cellular differentiation and prevented cataracts, but did not restore normal growth. These data show that intrinsic properties of Cx50 were required for cellular growth, whereas nonspecific restoration of communication by Cx46 maintained differentiation.

Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. E-mail: thomas.white{at}sunysb.edu

Read the Full Text


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Mechanism of Small Heat Shock Protein Function in Vivo: A KNOCK-IN MOUSE MODEL DEMONSTRATES THAT THE R49C MUTATION IN {alpha}A-CRYSTALLIN ENHANCES PROTEIN INSOLUBILITY AND CELL DEATH.
J.-h. Xi, F. Bai, J. Gross, R. R. Townsend, A. S. Menko, and U. P. Andley (2008)
J. Biol. Chem. 283, 5801-5814
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin45 Cannot Replace the Function of Connexin40 in Conducting Endothelium-Dependent Dilations Along Arterioles.
S. E. Wolfle, V. J. Schmidt, B. Hoepfl, A. Gebert, S. Alcolea, D. Gros, and C. de Wit (2007)
Circ. Res. 101, 1292-1299
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Optimal Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation Is Dependent on the Connexin Isoform Providing Gap Junctional Coupling.
T. W. White, Y. Gao, L. Li, C. Sellitto, and M. Srinivas (2007)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 48, 5630-5637
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Rescue of oogenesis in Cx37-null mutant mice by oocyte-specific replacement with Cx43.
T. Y. Li, D. Colley, K. J. Barr, S.-P. Yee, and G. M. Kidder (2007)
J. Cell Sci. 120, 4117-4125
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Promotion of lens epithelial-fiber differentiation by the C-terminus of connexin 45.6 a role independent of gap junction communication.
E. A. Banks, X. S. Yu, Q. Shi, and J. X. Jiang (2007)
J. Cell Sci. 120, 3602-3612
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Restoration of connexin26 protein level in the cochlea completely rescues hearing in a mouse model of human connexin30-linked deafness.
S. Ahmad, W. Tang, Q. Chang, Y. Qu, J. Hibshman, Y. Li, G. Sohl, K. Willecke, P. Chen, and X. Lin (2007)
PNAS 104, 1337-1341
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Knock-in of {alpha}3 connexin prevents severe cataracts caused by an {alpha}8 point mutation.
C.-h. Xia, D. Cheung, A. M. DeRosa, B. Chang, W.-K. Lo, T. W. White, and X. Gong (2006)
J. Cell Sci. 119, 2138-2144
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Cell-Cell Communication Beyond Connexins: The Pannexin Channels.
M. T. Barbe, H. Monyer, and R. Bruzzone (2006)
Physiology 21, 103-114
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin31 cannot functionally replace connexin43 during cardiac morphogenesis in mice.
Q. Zheng-Fischhofer, A. Ghanem, J.-S. Kim, M. Kibschull, G. Schwarz, J. O. Schwab, J. Nagy, E. Winterhager, K. Tiemann, and K. Willecke (2006)
J. Cell Sci. 119, 693-701
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Two novel mutations of connexin genes in Chinese families with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract.
Z Ma, J Zheng, F Yang, J Ji, X Li, X Tang, X Yuan, X Zhang, and H Sun (2005)
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 89, 1535-1537
   Full Text »    PDF »
Gap junction-mediated intercellular biochemical coupling in cochlear supporting cells is required for normal cochlear functions.
Y. Zhang, W. Tang, S. Ahmad, J. A. Sipp, P. Chen, and X. Lin (2005)
PNAS 102, 15201-15206
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Novel Mutation in the GJA1 Gene in a Family With Oculodentodigital Dysplasia.
J. P. C. Vasconcellos, M. B. Melo, R. B. Schimiti, N. C. Bressanim, F. F. Costa, and V. P. Costa (2005)
Arch Ophthalmol 123, 1422-1426
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Cochlear gap junctions coassembled from Cx26 and 30 show faster intercellular Ca2+ signaling than homomeric counterparts.
J. Sun, S. Ahmad, S. Chen, W. Tang, Y. Zhang, P. Chen, and X. Lin (2005)
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 288, C613-C623
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Protein kinase C spatially and temporally regulates gap junctional communication during human wound repair via phosphorylation of connexin43 on serine368.
T. S. Richards, C. A. Dunn, W. G. Carter, M. L. Usui, J. E. Olerud, and P. D. Lampe (2004)
J. Cell Biol. 167, 555-562
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Lens Gap Junctional Coupling Is Modulated by Connexin Identity and the Locus of Gene Expression.
F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, C. Sellitto, T. W. White, R. T. Mathias, D. Paul, and D. A. Goodenough (2004)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 45, 3629-3637
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Exchange of Gating Properties Between Rat Cx46 and Chicken Cx45.6.
J.-J. Tong, X. Liu, L. Dong, and L. Ebihara (2004)
Biophys. J. 87, 2397-2406
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connections Between Connexins, Calcium, and Cataracts in the Lens.
J. Gao, X. Sun, F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, X. Gong, T. W. White, and R. T. Mathias (2004)
J. Gen. Physiol. 124, 289-300
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin50 Is Essential for Normal Postnatal Lens Cell Proliferation.
C. Sellitto, L. Li, and T. W. White (2004)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 45, 3196-3202
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin 48.5 Is Required for Normal Cardiovascular Function and Lens Development in Zebrafish Embryos.
S. Cheng, T. Shakespeare, R. Mui, T. W. White, and G. Valdimarsson (2004)
J. Biol. Chem. 279, 36993-37003
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Potent block of Cx36 and Cx50 gap junction channels by mefloquine.
S. J. Cruikshank, M. Hopperstad, M. Younger, B. W. Connors, D. C. Spray, and M. Srinivas (2004)
PNAS 101, 12364-12369
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Permeability of Gap Junction Channels to Probes of Different Size Is Dependent on Connexin Composition and Permeant-Pore Affinities.
P. A. Weber, H.-C. Chang, K. E. Spaeth, J. M. Nitsche, and B. J. Nicholson (2004)
Biophys. J. 87, 958-973
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Reversible Pore Block of Connexin Channels by Cyclodextrins.
D. Locke, I. V. Koreen, J. Y. Liu, and A. L. Harris (2004)
J. Biol. Chem. 279, 22883-22892
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Gap junctions and the connexin protein family.
G. Sohl and K. Willecke (2004)
Cardiovasc Res 62, 228-232
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Characterization of a Mutation in the Lens-Specific CP49 in the 129 Strain of Mouse.
A. Alizadeh, J. Clark, T. Seeberger, J. Hess, T. Blankenship, and P. G. FitzGerald (2004)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 45, 884-891
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Replacement of Connexin40 by Connexin45 in the Mouse: Impact on Cardiac Electrical Conduction.
S. Alcolea, T. Jarry-Guichard, J. de Bakker, D. Gonzalez, W. Lamers, S. Coppen, L. Barrio, H. Jongsma, D. Gros, and H. van Rijen (2004)
Circ. Res. 94, 100-109
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Calmodulin and protein kinase C regulate gap junctional coupling in lens epithelial cells.
M. M. Lurtz and C. F. Louis (2003)
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 285, C1475-C1482
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A novel GJA8 mutation in an Iranian family with progressive autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract.
C E Willoughby, S. Arab, R Gandhi, S Zeinali, S. Arab, D Luk, G Billingsley, F L Munier, and E Heon (2003)
J. Med. Genet. 40, e124-124
   Full Text »    PDF »
Regulating Cross-Talk Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
T. N. Tulenko (2003)
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 23, 1707-1709
   Full Text »    PDF »
Inactivation of ether lipid biosynthesis causes male infertility, defects in eye development and optic nerve hypoplasia in mice.
C. Rodemer, T.-P. Thai, B. Brugger, T. Kaercher, H. Werner, K.-A. Nave, F. Wieland, K. Gorgas, and W. W. Just (2003)
Hum. Mol. Genet. 12, 1881-1895
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Targeted epidermal expression of mutant Connexin 26(D66H) mimics true Vohwinkel syndrome and provides a model for the pathogenesis of dominant connexin disorders.
G. Bakirtzis, R. Choudhry, T. Aasen, L. Shore, K. Brown, S. Bryson, S. Forrow, L. Tetley, M. Finbow, D. Greenhalgh, et al. (2003)
Hum. Mol. Genet. 12, 1737-1744
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Dominant cataracts result from incongruous mixing of wild-type lens connexins.
F. J. Martinez-Wittinghan, C. Sellitto, L. Li, X. Gong, P. R. Brink, R. T. Mathias, and T. W. White (2003)
J. Cell Biol. 161, 969-978
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Nonredundant Gap Junction Functions.
T. W. White (2003)
Physiology 18, 95-99
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Genetic Background Influences Cataractogenesis, but Not Lens Growth Deficiency, in Cx50-Knockout Mice.
D. A. Gerido, C. Sellitto, L. Li, and T. W. White (2003)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 44, 2669-2674
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Lentivirus-mediated transduction of connexin cDNAs shows level- and isoform-specific alterations in insulin secretion of primary pancreatic {beta}-cells.
D. Caton, A. Calabrese, C. Mas, V. Serre-Beinier, A. Charollais, D. Caille, R. Zufferey, D. Trono, and P. Meda (2003)
J. Cell Sci. 116, 2285-2294
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Stimulation of Lens Cell Differentiation by Gap Junction Protein Connexin 45.6.
S. Gu, X. S. Yu, X. Yin, and J. X. Jiang (2003)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 44, 2103-2111
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sharing signals: connecting lung epithelial cells with gap junction channels.
M. Koval (2002)
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 283, L875-L893
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Identification of amino acid residues lining the pore of a gap junction channel.
I.M. Skerrett, J. Aronowitz, J.H. Shin, G. Cymes, E. Kasperek, F.L. Cao, and B.J. Nicholson (2002)
J. Cell Biol. 159, 349-360
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Mapping of A Gene Responsible for Cataract Formation and Its Modifier in the UPL Rat.
S. Yamashita, K. Furumoto, A. Nobukiyo, M. Kamohara, T. Ushijima, and T. Furukawa (2002)
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 43, 3153-3159
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Virtual cloning, functional expression, and gating analysis of human connexin31.9.
T. W. White, M. Srinivas, H. Ripps, A. Trovato-Salinaro, D. F. Condorelli, and R. Bruzzone (2002)
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 283, C960-C970
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin29 Is Uniquely Distributed within Myelinating Glial Cells of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.
B. M. Altevogt, K. A. Kleopa, F. R. Postma, S. S. Scherer, and D. L. Paul (2002)
J. Neurosci. 22, 6458-6470
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Connexin Diversity: Discriminating the Message.
M. Delmar (2002)
Circ. Res. 91, 85-86
   Full Text »    PDF »


ADVERTISEMENT
Click Me!

ADVERTISEMENT
Click Me!

To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)