Analysis of Trafficking, Stability and Function of Human Connexin 26 Gap Junction Channels with Deafness-Causing Mutations in the Fourth Transmembrane Helix
Figure 7
Co-expression of WT with M195T–WT decreases the stability of heteromers.
(A–D) Hemichannels formed by M195T and the WT analyzed in different ratios showed increased instability from heteromeric interactions. EM images showed consistent aggregation of hemichannels for all four ratios analyzed, from 0:1 to 2:1. The Blue Native (BNGel PAGE) westerns confirmed stability with only two bands (hexamer and dodecamer) for the ratios 0 and 1:2 (A and B), but higher ratios of WT:M195T-V5-His6 are unstable with (C) three predominant bands for 1:1 and (D) a ladder of bands for the 2:1 ratio.