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{{short description|Protein-coding gene in humans}}
{{short description|Protein-coding gene in humans}}
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{{Infobox protein family
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'''Gap junction alpha-1 protein''' ('''GJA1'''), also known as '''connexin 43''' ('''Cx43'''), is a [[protein]] that in humans is encoded by the ''GJA1'' [[gene]] on chromosome 6.<ref name="pmid10331943">{{cite journal | vauthors = Boyadjiev SA, Jabs EW, LaBuda M, Jamal JE, Torbergsen T, Ptácek LJ, Rogers RC, Nyberg-Hansen R, Opjordsmoen S, Zeller CB, Stine OC, Stalker HJ, Zori RT, Shapiro RE | title = Linkage analysis narrows the critical region for oculodentodigital dysplasia to chromosome 6q22-q23 | journal = Genomics | volume = 58 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–40 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10331943 | doi = 10.1006/geno.1999.5814 }}</ref><ref name="pmid1646158">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fishman GI, Eddy RL, Shows TB, Rosenthal L, Leinwand LA | title = The human connexin gene family of gap junction proteins: distinct chromosomal locations but similar structures | journal = Genomics | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 250–256 | date = May 1991 | pmid = 1646158 | doi = 10.1016/0888-7543(91)90507-B }}</ref><ref name = "entrez">{{cite web | title = Entrez Gene: GJA1 gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43kDa| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=gene&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=2697}}</ref> As a [[connexin]], GJA1 is a component of [[gap junction]]s, which allow for gap junction [[intercellular communication]] (GJIC) between [[Cell (biology)|cell]]s to regulate [[cell death]], [[Cell proliferation|proliferation]], and [[Cellular differentiation|differentiation]].<ref name = "pmid25560303">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cheng JC, Chang HM, Fang L, Sun YP, Leung PC | title = TGF-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression: a potential mechanism for human trophoblast cell differentiation | journal = Journal of Cellular Physiology | volume = 230 | issue = 7 | pages = 1558–1566 | date = Jul 2015 | pmid = 25560303 | doi = 10.1002/jcp.24902 | s2cid = 28968035 }}</ref> As a result of its function, GJA1 is implicated in many biological processes, including [[muscle contraction]], [[embryo]]nic development, [[inflammation]], and [[spermatogenesis]], as well as [[disease]]s, including [[oculodentodigital dysplasia]] (ODDD), heart malformations, and [[cancer]]s.<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid22918484">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chevallier D, Carette D, Segretain D, Gilleron J, Pointis G | title = Connexin 43 a check-point component of cell proliferation implicated in a wide range of human testis diseases | journal = Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences | volume = 70 | issue = 7 | pages = 1207–1220 | date = Apr 2013 | pmid = 22918484 | doi = 10.1007/s00018-012-1121-3 | s2cid = 11855947 }}</ref><ref name = "pmid25110696">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vliagoftis H, Ebeling C, Ilarraza R, Mahmudi-Azer S, Abel M, Adamko D, Befus AD, Moqbel R | title = Connexin 43 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils: role of gap junctions in transendothelial migration | journal = BioMed Research International | volume = 2014 | pages = 803257 | date = 2014 | pmid = 25110696 | doi = 10.1155/2014/803257 | pmc=4109672| doi-access = free }}</ref>
'''Gap junction alpha-1 protein''' ('''GJA1'''), also known as '''connexin 43''' ('''Cx43'''), is a [[protein]] that in humans is encoded by the ''GJA1'' [[gene]] on chromosome 6.<ref name="pmid10331943">{{cite journal | vauthors = Boyadjiev SA, Jabs EW, LaBuda M, Jamal JE, Torbergsen T, Ptácek LJ, Rogers RC, Nyberg-Hansen R, Opjordsmoen S, Zeller CB, Stine OC, Stalker HJ, Zori RT, Shapiro RE | title = Linkage analysis narrows the critical region for oculodentodigital dysplasia to chromosome 6q22-q23 | journal = Genomics | volume = 58 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–40 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10331943 | doi = 10.1006/geno.1999.5814 }}</ref><ref name="pmid1646158">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fishman GI, Eddy RL, Shows TB, Rosenthal L, Leinwand LA | title = The human connexin gene family of gap junction proteins: distinct chromosomal locations but similar structures | journal = Genomics | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 250–256 | date = May 1991 | pmid = 1646158 | doi = 10.1016/0888-7543(91)90507-B }}</ref><ref name = "entrez">{{cite web | title = Entrez Gene: GJA1 gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43kDa| url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=gene&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=2697}}</ref> As a [[connexin]], GJA1 is a component of [[gap junction]]s, which allow for gap junction [[intercellular communication]] (GJIC) between [[Cell (biology)|cell]]s to regulate [[cell death]], [[Cell proliferation|proliferation]], and [[Cellular differentiation|differentiation]].<ref name = "pmid25560303">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cheng JC, Chang HM, Fang L, Sun YP, Leung PC | title = TGF-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression: a potential mechanism for human trophoblast cell differentiation | journal = Journal of Cellular Physiology | volume = 230 | issue = 7 | pages = 1558–1566 | date = Jul 2015 | pmid = 25560303 | doi = 10.1002/jcp.24902 | s2cid = 28968035 }}</ref> As a result of its function, GJA1 is implicated in many biological processes, including [[muscle contraction]], [[embryo]]nic development, [[inflammation]], and [[spermatogenesis]], as well as [[disease]]s, including [[oculodentodigital dysplasia]] (ODDD), heart malformations, and [[cancer]]s.<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid22918484">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chevallier D, Carette D, Segretain D, Gilleron J, Pointis G | title = Connexin 43 a check-point component of cell proliferation implicated in a wide range of human testis diseases | journal = Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences | volume = 70 | issue = 7 | pages = 1207–1220 | date = Apr 2013 | pmid = 22918484 | doi = 10.1007/s00018-012-1121-3 | s2cid = 11855947 | pmc = 11113700 }}</ref><ref name = "pmid25110696">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vliagoftis H, Ebeling C, Ilarraza R, Mahmudi-Azer S, Abel M, Adamko D, Befus AD, Moqbel R | title = Connexin 43 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils: role of gap junctions in transendothelial migration | journal = BioMed Research International | volume = 2014 | pages = 803257 | date = 2014 | pmid = 25110696 | doi = 10.1155/2014/803257 | pmc=4109672| doi-access = free }}</ref>


==Structure==
==Structure==
GJA1 is a 43.0 kDa [[protein]] composed of 382 [[amino acids]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Protein sequence of human GJA1 (Uniprot ID: P17302)|url=http://www.heartproteome.org/copa/ProteinInfo.aspx?QType=Protein%20ID&QValue=P17302|website=Cardiac Organellar Protein Atlas Knowledgebase (COPaKB)|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005143620/http://www.heartproteome.org/copa/ProteinInfo.aspx?QType=Protein%20ID&QValue=P17302|archive-date=5 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> GJA1 contains a long [[C-terminal]] tail, an [[N-terminal]] domain, and multiple [[transmembrane]] domains. The protein passes through the [[phospholipid bilayer]] four times, leaving its C- and N-terminals exposed to the [[cytoplasm]].<ref name = "pmid24434540">{{cite journal | vauthors = Laird DW | title = Syndromic and non-syndromic disease-linked Cx43 mutations | journal = FEBS Letters | volume = 588 | issue = 8 | pages = 1339–1348 | date = Apr 2014 | pmid = 24434540 | doi = 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.022 | s2cid = 20651016 }}</ref> The C-terminal tail is composed of 50 [[amino acid]]s and includes [[post-translational modification]] sites, as well as binding sites for [[transcription factor]]s, [[cytoskeleton]] elements, and other proteins.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/><ref name = "pmid22155212">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kameritsch P, Pogoda K, Pohl U | title = Channel-independent influence of connexin 43 on cell migration | journal = Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes | volume = 1818 | issue = 8 | pages = 1993–2001 | date = Aug 2012 | pmid = 22155212 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.11.016 | doi-access = free }}</ref> As a result, the C-terminal tail is central to functions such as regulating pH gating and channel assembly. Notably, the DNA region of the ''GJA1'' gene encoding this tail is highly conserved, indicating that it is either resistant to mutations or becomes lethal when mutated. Meanwhile, the N-terminal domain is involved in channel gating and oligomerization and, thus, may control the switch between the channel's open and closed states. The transmembrane domains form the gap junction channel while the [[extracellular]] loops facilitate proper channel docking. Moreover, two extracellular loops form disulfide bonds that interact with two hexamers to form a complete gap junction channel.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/>
GJA1 is a 43.0 kDa [[protein]] composed of 382 [[amino acids]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Protein sequence of human GJA1 (Uniprot ID: P17302)|url=http://www.heartproteome.org/copa/ProteinInfo.aspx?QType=Protein%20ID&QValue=P17302|website=Cardiac Organellar Protein Atlas Knowledgebase (COPaKB)|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005143620/http://www.heartproteome.org/copa/ProteinInfo.aspx?QType=Protein%20ID&QValue=P17302|archive-date=5 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> GJA1 contains a long [[C-terminal]] tail, an [[N-terminal]] domain, and multiple [[transmembrane]] domains. The protein passes through the [[phospholipid bilayer]] four times, leaving its C- and N-terminals exposed to the [[cytoplasm]].<ref name = "pmid24434540">{{cite journal | vauthors = Laird DW | title = Syndromic and non-syndromic disease-linked Cx43 mutations | journal = FEBS Letters | volume = 588 | issue = 8 | pages = 1339–1348 | date = Apr 2014 | pmid = 24434540 | doi = 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.022 | s2cid = 20651016 | doi-access = free | bibcode = 2014FEBSL.588.1339L }}</ref> The C-terminal tail is composed of 50 [[amino acid]]s and includes [[post-translational modification]] sites, as well as binding sites for [[transcription factor]]s, [[cytoskeleton]] elements, and other proteins.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/><ref name = "pmid22155212">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kameritsch P, Pogoda K, Pohl U | title = Channel-independent influence of connexin 43 on cell migration | journal = Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes | volume = 1818 | issue = 8 | pages = 1993–2001 | date = Aug 2012 | pmid = 22155212 | doi = 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.11.016 | doi-access = free }}</ref> As a result, the C-terminal tail is central to functions such as regulating pH gating and channel assembly. Notably, the DNA region of the ''GJA1'' gene encoding this tail is highly conserved, indicating that it is either resistant to mutations or becomes lethal when mutated. Meanwhile, the N-terminal domain is involved in channel gating and oligomerization and, thus, may control the switch between the channel's open and closed states. The transmembrane domains form the gap junction channel while the [[extracellular]] loops facilitate proper channel docking. Moreover, two extracellular loops form disulfide bonds that interact with two hexamers to form a complete gap junction channel.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/>


The '''connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site''' is an [[Cis-regulatory element|RNA element]] present in the [[Five prime untranslated region|5' UTR]] of the [[mRNA]] of GJA1. This [[internal ribosome entry site]] (IRES) allows cap independent [[translation (biology)|translation]] during conditions such as [[heat shock]] and stress.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schiavi A, Hudder A, Werner R | title = Connexin43 mRNA contains a functional internal ribosome entry site | journal = FEBS Letters | volume = 464 | issue = 3 | pages = 118–122 | date = Dec 1999 | pmid = 10618489 | doi = 10.1016/S0014-5793(99)01699-3 | s2cid = 26020820 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
The '''connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site''' is an [[Cis-regulatory element|RNA element]] present in the [[Five prime untranslated region|5' UTR]] of the [[mRNA]] of GJA1. This [[internal ribosome entry site]] (IRES) allows cap independent [[translation (biology)|translation]] during conditions such as [[heat shock]] and stress.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schiavi A, Hudder A, Werner R | title = Connexin43 mRNA contains a functional internal ribosome entry site | journal = FEBS Letters | volume = 464 | issue = 3 | pages = 118–122 | date = Dec 1999 | pmid = 10618489 | doi = 10.1016/S0014-5793(99)01699-3 | s2cid = 26020820 | doi-access = free | bibcode = 1999FEBSL.464..118S }}</ref>
{{Infobox rfam
{{Infobox rfam
| Name = Connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
| Name = Connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
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GJA1 is also largely involved in [[embryo]]nic development.<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid25560303"/> For instance, [[transforming growth factor-beta]] 1 (TGF-β1) was observed to induce GJA1 expression via the [[SMAD (protein)|Smad]] and [[Extracellular signal-regulated kinases|ERK1]]/2 [[signaling pathway]]s, resulting in [[trophoblast]] cell differentiation into the [[placenta]].<ref name = "pmid25560303"/>
GJA1 is also largely involved in [[embryo]]nic development.<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid25560303"/> For instance, [[transforming growth factor-beta]] 1 (TGF-β1) was observed to induce GJA1 expression via the [[SMAD (protein)|Smad]] and [[Extracellular signal-regulated kinases|ERK1]]/2 [[signaling pathway]]s, resulting in [[trophoblast]] cell differentiation into the [[placenta]].<ref name = "pmid25560303"/>


Furthermore, GJA1 is expressed in many [[immune cells]], such as [[eosinophil]]s and [[T cell]]s, where its gap junction function promotes the maturation and activation of these cells and, by extension, the cross-communication necessary to mount an [[inflammation|inflammatory]] response.<ref name = "pmid25110696"/> It has also been shown that [[Uterus|uterine]] [[macrophage]] directly physically couple with uterine [[Muscle cell|myocytes]] through GJA1, transferring [[Ca²⁺]], to promote uterine muscle contraction and excitation during human [[Childbirth|labor]] onset.<ref>Boros-Rausch, A., Shynlova, O., & Lye, S. J. (2021). "A Broad-Spectrum Chemokine Inhibitor Blocks Inflammation-Induced Myometrial Myocyte-Macrophage Crosstalk and Myometrial Contraction". ''Cells''. '''11''' (1): 128. [https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/1/128 doi: 10.3390/cells11010128] [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35011690/ PMID: 35011690]</ref>
Furthermore, GJA1 is expressed in many [[immune cells]], such as [[eosinophil]]s and [[T cell]]s, where its gap junction function promotes the maturation and activation of these cells and, by extension, the cross-communication necessary to mount an [[inflammation|inflammatory]] response.<ref name = "pmid25110696"/> It has also been shown that [[Uterus|uterine]] [[macrophage]] directly physically couple with uterine [[Muscle cell|myocytes]] through GJA1, transferring [[Ca²⁺]], to promote uterine muscle contraction and excitation during human [[Childbirth|labor]] onset.<ref>Boros-Rausch, A., Shynlova, O., & Lye, S. J. (2021). "A Broad-Spectrum Chemokine Inhibitor Blocks Inflammation-Induced Myometrial Myocyte-Macrophage Crosstalk and Myometrial Contraction". ''Cells''. '''11''' (1): 128. [https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/1/128 doi: 10.3390/cells11010128] PMID 35011690</ref>


In addition, GJA1 can be found in the [[Leydig cell]]s and [[seminiferous tubules]] between [[Sertoli cell]]s and [[spermatogonia]] or [[primary spermatocyte]]s, where it plays a key role in [[spermatogenesis]] and [[testis]] development through controlling the [[tight junction]] proteins in the [[blood-testis barrier]].
In addition, GJA1 can be found in the [[Leydig cell]]s and [[seminiferous tubules]] between [[Sertoli cell]]s and [[spermatogonia]] or [[primary spermatocyte]]s, where it plays a key role in [[spermatogenesis]] and [[testis]] development through controlling the [[tight junction]] proteins in the [[blood-testis barrier]].
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== Clinical significance ==
== Clinical significance ==
[[Mutation]]s in this gene have been associated with ODDD; [[Craniometaphyseal dysplasia autosomal dominant|craniometaphyseal dysplasia]]; [[sudden infant death syndrome]], which is linked to cardiac [[Heart arrhythmia|arrhythmia]]; [[Hallermann–Streiff syndrome]]; and heart malformations, such as [[viscero-atrial heterotaxia]].<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid24434540"/><ref name="pmid14974090">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pizzuti A, Flex E, Mingarelli R, Salpietro C, Zelante L, Dallapiccola B | title = A homozygous GJA1 gene mutation causes a Hallermann-Streiff/ODDD spectrum phenotype | journal = Human Mutation | volume = 23 | issue = 3 | pages = 286 | date = Mar 2004 | pmid = 14974090 | doi = 10.1002/humu.9220 | s2cid = 13345970 | doi-access = free }}</ref> There have also been a few cases of reported hearing loss and skin disorders unrelated to ODDD.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> Ultimately, GJA1 has low tolerance for deviations from its original sequence, with mutations resulting in loss- or gain-of-channel function that lead to disease phenotypes.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> It is paradoxical, however, that patients with an array of somatic mutations in ''GJA1'' most often do not present with cardiac [[Heart arrhythmia|arrhythmia]]s, even though connexin-43 is the most abundant protein forming [[gap junction]]al pores in [[cardiomyocyte]]s and are essential for normal [[action potential]] propagation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Delmar M, Makita N | title = Cardiac connexins, mutations and arrhythmias | journal = Current Opinion in Cardiology | volume = 27 | issue = 3 | pages = 236–241 | date = May 2012 | pmid = 22382502 | doi = 10.1097/HCO.0b013e328352220e | s2cid = 205620477 }}</ref>
[[Mutation]]s in this gene have been associated with [[ODDD]]; [[Craniometaphyseal dysplasia autosomal dominant|craniometaphyseal dysplasia]]; [[sudden infant death syndrome]], which is linked to cardiac [[Heart arrhythmia|arrhythmia]]; [[Hallermann–Streiff syndrome]]; and heart malformations, such as [[viscero-atrial heterotaxia]].<ref name = "entrez"/><ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid24434540"/><ref name="pmid14974090">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pizzuti A, Flex E, Mingarelli R, Salpietro C, Zelante L, Dallapiccola B | title = A homozygous GJA1 gene mutation causes a Hallermann-Streiff/ODDD spectrum phenotype | journal = Human Mutation | volume = 23 | issue = 3 | pages = 286 | date = Mar 2004 | pmid = 14974090 | doi = 10.1002/humu.9220 | s2cid = 13345970 | doi-access = free }}</ref> There have also been a few cases of reported hearing loss and skin disorders unrelated to ODDD.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> Ultimately, GJA1 has low tolerance for deviations from its original sequence, with mutations resulting in loss- or gain-of-channel function that lead to disease phenotypes.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> It is paradoxical, however, that patients with an array of somatic mutations in ''GJA1'' most often do not present with cardiac [[Heart arrhythmia|arrhythmia]]s, even though connexin-43 is the most abundant protein forming [[gap junction]]al pores in [[cardiomyocyte]]s and are essential for normal [[action potential]] propagation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Delmar M, Makita N | title = Cardiac connexins, mutations and arrhythmias | journal = Current Opinion in Cardiology | volume = 27 | issue = 3 | pages = 236–241 | date = May 2012 | pmid = 22382502 | doi = 10.1097/HCO.0b013e328352220e | s2cid = 205620477 }}</ref>


Notably, GJA1 expression has been associated with a wide variety of cancers, including [[nasopharyngeal carcinoma]], [[meningioma]], [[hemangiopericytoma]], [[liver tumor]], [[colon cancer]], [[esophageal cancer]], [[breast cancer]], [[mesothelioma]], [[glioblastoma]], [[lung cancer]], [[adrenocortical tumor]]s, [[renal cell cancer]], [[cervical carcinoma]], [[ovarian carcinoma]], [[endometrial carcinoma]], [[prostate cancer]], [[thyroid carcinoma]], and [[testicular cancer]].<ref name = "pmid22918484"/> Its role in controlling cell motility and polarity was thought to contribute to cancer development and [[metastasis]], though its role as a gap junction protein may also be involved.<ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid25843295"/> Moreover, the cytoprotective effects of this protein can promote tumor cell survival in [[radiotherapy]] treatments, while silencing its gene increases radiosensitivity. As a result, GJA1 may serve as a target for improving the success of radiotherapeutic treatment of cancer.<ref name = "pmid25843295"/> As a biomarker, GJA1 could also be used to screen young males for risk of testis cancer.<ref name = "pmid22918484"/>
Notably, GJA1 expression has been associated with a wide variety of cancers, including [[nasopharyngeal carcinoma]], [[meningioma]], [[hemangiopericytoma]], [[liver tumor]], [[colon cancer]], [[esophageal cancer]], [[breast cancer]], [[mesothelioma]], [[glioblastoma]], [[lung cancer]], [[adrenocortical tumor]]s, [[renal cell cancer]], [[cervical carcinoma]], [[ovarian carcinoma]], [[endometrial carcinoma]], [[prostate cancer]], [[thyroid carcinoma]], and [[testicular cancer]].<ref name = "pmid22918484"/> Its role in controlling cell motility and polarity was thought to contribute to cancer development and [[metastasis]], though its role as a gap junction protein may also be involved.<ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid25843295"/> Moreover, the cytoprotective effects of this protein can promote tumor cell survival in [[radiotherapy]] treatments, while silencing its gene increases radiosensitivity. As a result, GJA1 may serve as a target for improving the success of radiotherapeutic treatment of cancer.<ref name = "pmid25843295"/> As a biomarker, GJA1 could also be used to screen young males for risk of testis cancer.<ref name = "pmid22918484"/>


The [[Thyroid hormones|thyroid hormone]] [[triiodothyronine]] (T3) downregulates the expression of GJA1. This is assumed to be a key mechanism why the conduction velocity in myocardial tissue is reduced in [[thyrotoxicosis]], thereby promoting [[cardiac arrhythmia]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Müller P, Leow MK, Dietrich JW | title = Minor perturbations of thyroid homeostasis and major cardiovascular endpoints-Physiological mechanisms and clinical evidence | journal = Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine | volume = 9 | pages = 942971 | date = 2022 | pmid = 36046184 | doi = 10.3389/fcvm.2022.942971 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
The [[Thyroid hormones|thyroid hormone]] [[triiodothyronine]] (T3) downregulates the expression of GJA1. This is assumed to be a key mechanism why the conduction velocity in myocardial tissue is reduced in [[thyrotoxicosis]], thereby promoting [[cardiac arrhythmia]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Müller P, Leow MK, Dietrich JW | title = Minor perturbations of thyroid homeostasis and major cardiovascular endpoints-Physiological mechanisms and clinical evidence | journal = Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine | volume = 9 | pages = 942971 | date = 2022 | pmid = 36046184 | doi = 10.3389/fcvm.2022.942971 | pmc = 9420854 | doi-access = free }}</ref>


Currently, only [[rotigaptide]], an antiarrhythmic peptide-based drug, and its [[Derivative (chemistry)|derivative]]s, such as [[danegaptide]], have reached clinical trials for treating cardiac pathologies by enhancing GJA1 expression. Alternatively, drugs could target complementary connexins, such as [[Cx40]], which function similarly to GJA1. However, both approaches still require a system to target the diseased tissue to avoid inducing developmental abnormalities elsewhere.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> Thus, a more effective approach entails designing a [[miRNA]] through [[antisense]] oligonucleotides, [[transfection]], or [[infection]] to knock down only mutant GJA1 mRNA, thus allowing the expression of [[wildtype]] GJA1 and retaining normal [[phenotype]].<ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid24434540"/>
Currently, only [[rotigaptide]], an antiarrhythmic peptide-based drug, and its [[Derivative (chemistry)|derivative]]s, such as danegaptide, have reached clinical trials for treating cardiac pathologies by enhancing GJA1 expression. Alternatively, drugs could target complementary connexins, such as [[Cx40]], which function similarly to GJA1. However, both approaches still require a system to target the diseased tissue to avoid inducing developmental abnormalities elsewhere.<ref name = "pmid24434540"/> Thus, a more effective approach entails designing a [[miRNA]] through [[antisense]] oligonucleotides, [[transfection]], or [[infection]] to knock down only mutant GJA1 mRNA, thus allowing the expression of [[wildtype]] GJA1 and retaining normal [[phenotype]].<ref name = "pmid22918484"/><ref name = "pmid24434540"/>


== Interactions ==
== Interactions ==
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*[[MAPK7]],<ref name="pmid12637502">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cameron SJ, Malik S, Akaike M, Lerner-Marmarosh N, Yan C, Lee JD, Abe J, Yang J | title = Regulation of epidermal growth factor-induced connexin 43 gap junction communication by big mitogen-activated protein kinase1/ERK5 but not ERK1/2 kinase activation | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 20 | pages = 18682–18688 | date = May 2003 | pmid = 12637502 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M213283200 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
*[[MAPK7]],<ref name="pmid12637502">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cameron SJ, Malik S, Akaike M, Lerner-Marmarosh N, Yan C, Lee JD, Abe J, Yang J | title = Regulation of epidermal growth factor-induced connexin 43 gap junction communication by big mitogen-activated protein kinase1/ERK5 but not ERK1/2 kinase activation | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 278 | issue = 20 | pages = 18682–18688 | date = May 2003 | pmid = 12637502 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M213283200 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
*[[Caveolin 1]],<ref name="pmid11980479">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schubert AL, Schubert W, Spray DC, Lisanti MP | title = Connexin family members target to lipid raft domains and interact with caveolin-1 | journal = Biochemistry | volume = 41 | issue = 18 | pages = 5754–5764 | date = May 2002 | pmid = 11980479 | doi = 10.1021/bi0121656 }}</ref>
*[[Caveolin 1]],<ref name="pmid11980479">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schubert AL, Schubert W, Spray DC, Lisanti MP | title = Connexin family members target to lipid raft domains and interact with caveolin-1 | journal = Biochemistry | volume = 41 | issue = 18 | pages = 5754–5764 | date = May 2002 | pmid = 11980479 | doi = 10.1021/bi0121656 }}</ref>
*[[Tight junction protein 1]]<ref name="pmid9707407">{{cite journal | vauthors = Giepmans BN, Moolenaar WH | title = The gap junction protein connexin43 interacts with the second PDZ domain of the zona occludens-1 protein | journal = Current Biology | volume = 8 | issue = 16 | pages = 931–934 | year = 1998 | pmid = 9707407 | doi = 10.1016/S0960-9822(07)00375-2 | s2cid = 6434044 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
*[[Tight junction protein 1]]<ref name="pmid9707407">{{cite journal | vauthors = Giepmans BN, Moolenaar WH | title = The gap junction protein connexin43 interacts with the second PDZ domain of the zona occludens-1 protein | journal = Current Biology | volume = 8 | issue = 16 | pages = 931–934 | year = 1998 | pmid = 9707407 | doi = 10.1016/S0960-9822(07)00375-2 | s2cid = 6434044 | doi-access = free | bibcode = 1998CBio....8..931G }}</ref>
*[[CSNK1D]],<ref name="pmid12270943">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cooper CD, Lampe PD | title = Casein kinase 1 regulates connexin-43 gap junction assembly | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 277 | issue = 47 | pages = 44962–44968 | date = Nov 2002 | pmid = 12270943 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M209427200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> and
*[[CSNK1D]],<ref name="pmid12270943">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cooper CD, Lampe PD | title = Casein kinase 1 regulates connexin-43 gap junction assembly | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 277 | issue = 47 | pages = 44962–44968 | date = Nov 2002 | pmid = 12270943 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M209427200 | doi-access = free }}</ref> and
*PTPmu ([[PTPRM]]).<ref name="pmid14681016">{{cite journal | vauthors = Giepmans BN, Feiken E, Gebbink MF, Moolenaar WH | title = Association of connexin43 with a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase | journal = Cell Communication & Adhesion | volume = 10 | issue = 4–6 | pages = 201–205 | year = 2003 | pmid = 14681016 | doi = 10.1080/cac.10.4-6.201.205 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
*PTPmu ([[PTPRM]]).<ref name="pmid14681016">{{cite journal | vauthors = Giepmans BN, Feiken E, Gebbink MF, Moolenaar WH | title = Association of connexin43 with a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase | journal = Cell Communication & Adhesion | volume = 10 | issue = 4–6 | pages = 201–205 | year = 2003 | pmid = 14681016 | doi = 10.1080/cac.10.4-6.201.205 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Latest revision as of 18:33, 22 December 2024

GJA1
Available structures
PDBOrtholog search: PDBe RCSB
Identifiers
AliasesGJA1, AVSD3, CMDR, CX43, EKVP, GJAL, HLHS1, HSS, ODDD, PPKCA, gap junction protein alpha 1, EKVP3
External IDsOMIM: 121014; MGI: 95713; HomoloGene: 136; GeneCards: GJA1; OMA:GJA1 - orthologs
Orthologs
SpeciesHumanMouse
Entrez
Ensembl
UniProt
RefSeq (mRNA)

NM_000165

NM_010288

RefSeq (protein)

NP_000156

NP_034418

Location (UCSC)Chr 6: 121.44 – 121.45 MbChr 10: 56.25 – 56.28 Mb
PubMed search[3][4]
Wikidata
View/Edit HumanView/Edit Mouse
Connexin43
connexin 43 carboxyl terminal domain
Identifiers
SymbolConnexin43
PfamPF03508
InterProIPR013124
TCDB1.A.24
Available protein structures:
Pfam  structures / ECOD  
PDBRCSB PDB; PDBe; PDBj
PDBsumstructure summary

Gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), also known as connexin 43 (Cx43), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GJA1 gene on chromosome 6.[5][6][7] As a connexin, GJA1 is a component of gap junctions, which allow for gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between cells to regulate cell death, proliferation, and differentiation.[8] As a result of its function, GJA1 is implicated in many biological processes, including muscle contraction, embryonic development, inflammation, and spermatogenesis, as well as diseases, including oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), heart malformations, and cancers.[7][9][10]

Structure

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GJA1 is a 43.0 kDa protein composed of 382 amino acids.[11] GJA1 contains a long C-terminal tail, an N-terminal domain, and multiple transmembrane domains. The protein passes through the phospholipid bilayer four times, leaving its C- and N-terminals exposed to the cytoplasm.[12] The C-terminal tail is composed of 50 amino acids and includes post-translational modification sites, as well as binding sites for transcription factors, cytoskeleton elements, and other proteins.[12][13] As a result, the C-terminal tail is central to functions such as regulating pH gating and channel assembly. Notably, the DNA region of the GJA1 gene encoding this tail is highly conserved, indicating that it is either resistant to mutations or becomes lethal when mutated. Meanwhile, the N-terminal domain is involved in channel gating and oligomerization and, thus, may control the switch between the channel's open and closed states. The transmembrane domains form the gap junction channel while the extracellular loops facilitate proper channel docking. Moreover, two extracellular loops form disulfide bonds that interact with two hexamers to form a complete gap junction channel.[12]

The connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site is an RNA element present in the 5' UTR of the mRNA of GJA1. This internal ribosome entry site (IRES) allows cap independent translation during conditions such as heat shock and stress.[14]

Connexin-43 internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
Predicted secondary structure and sequence conservation of IRES_Cx43
Identifiers
SymbolIRES_Cx43
RfamRF00487
Other data
RNA typeCis-reg; IRES
Domain(s)Eukaryota
GOGO:0043022
SOSO:0000243
PDB structuresPDBe

Function

[edit]
Connexin 43 distribution in the rat myocardium (gap junctions between cardiomyocytes)

As a member of the connexin family, GJA1 is a component of gap junctions, which are intercellular channels that connect adjacent cells to permit the exchange of low molecular weight molecules, such as small ions and secondary messengers, to maintain homeostasis.[7][12][15]

GJA1 is the most ubiquitously expressed connexin and is detected in most cell types.[7][9][12] It is the major protein in heart gap junctions and is purported to play a crucial role in the synchronized contraction of the heart.[7] Despite its key role in the heart and other vital organs, GJA1 has a short half-life (only two to four hours), indicating that the protein undergoes daily turnover in the heart and may be highly abundant or compensated with other connexins.[12] GJA1 is also largely involved in embryonic development.[7][8] For instance, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) was observed to induce GJA1 expression via the Smad and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, resulting in trophoblast cell differentiation into the placenta.[8]

Furthermore, GJA1 is expressed in many immune cells, such as eosinophils and T cells, where its gap junction function promotes the maturation and activation of these cells and, by extension, the cross-communication necessary to mount an inflammatory response.[10] It has also been shown that uterine macrophage directly physically couple with uterine myocytes through GJA1, transferring Ca²⁺, to promote uterine muscle contraction and excitation during human labor onset.[16]

In addition, GJA1 can be found in the Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules between Sertoli cells and spermatogonia or primary spermatocytes, where it plays a key role in spermatogenesis and testis development through controlling the tight junction proteins in the blood-testis barrier.

While it is a channel protein, GJA1 can also perform channel-independent functions. In the cytoplasm, the protein regulates the microtubule network and, by extension, cell migration and polarity.[9][13] This function has been observed in brain and heart development, as well as wound-healing in endothelial cells.[13] GJA1 has also been observed to localize to the mitochondria, where it promotes cell survival by downregulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway during conditions of oxidative stress.[15]

Clinical significance

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Mutations in this gene have been associated with ODDD; craniometaphyseal dysplasia; sudden infant death syndrome, which is linked to cardiac arrhythmia; Hallermann–Streiff syndrome; and heart malformations, such as viscero-atrial heterotaxia.[7][9][12][17] There have also been a few cases of reported hearing loss and skin disorders unrelated to ODDD.[12] Ultimately, GJA1 has low tolerance for deviations from its original sequence, with mutations resulting in loss- or gain-of-channel function that lead to disease phenotypes.[12] It is paradoxical, however, that patients with an array of somatic mutations in GJA1 most often do not present with cardiac arrhythmias, even though connexin-43 is the most abundant protein forming gap junctional pores in cardiomyocytes and are essential for normal action potential propagation.[18]

Notably, GJA1 expression has been associated with a wide variety of cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, meningioma, hemangiopericytoma, liver tumor, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, glioblastoma, lung cancer, adrenocortical tumors, renal cell cancer, cervical carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, prostate cancer, thyroid carcinoma, and testicular cancer.[9] Its role in controlling cell motility and polarity was thought to contribute to cancer development and metastasis, though its role as a gap junction protein may also be involved.[9][15] Moreover, the cytoprotective effects of this protein can promote tumor cell survival in radiotherapy treatments, while silencing its gene increases radiosensitivity. As a result, GJA1 may serve as a target for improving the success of radiotherapeutic treatment of cancer.[15] As a biomarker, GJA1 could also be used to screen young males for risk of testis cancer.[9]

The thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) downregulates the expression of GJA1. This is assumed to be a key mechanism why the conduction velocity in myocardial tissue is reduced in thyrotoxicosis, thereby promoting cardiac arrhythmia.[19]

Currently, only rotigaptide, an antiarrhythmic peptide-based drug, and its derivatives, such as danegaptide, have reached clinical trials for treating cardiac pathologies by enhancing GJA1 expression. Alternatively, drugs could target complementary connexins, such as Cx40, which function similarly to GJA1. However, both approaches still require a system to target the diseased tissue to avoid inducing developmental abnormalities elsewhere.[12] Thus, a more effective approach entails designing a miRNA through antisense oligonucleotides, transfection, or infection to knock down only mutant GJA1 mRNA, thus allowing the expression of wildtype GJA1 and retaining normal phenotype.[9][12]

Interactions

[edit]

Gap junction protein, alpha 1 has been shown to interact with:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c GRCh38: Ensembl release 89: ENSG00000152661Ensembl, May 2017
  2. ^ a b c GRCm38: Ensembl release 89: ENSMUSG00000050953Ensembl, May 2017
  3. ^ "Human PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  4. ^ "Mouse PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  5. ^ Boyadjiev SA, Jabs EW, LaBuda M, Jamal JE, Torbergsen T, Ptácek LJ, Rogers RC, Nyberg-Hansen R, Opjordsmoen S, Zeller CB, Stine OC, Stalker HJ, Zori RT, Shapiro RE (May 1999). "Linkage analysis narrows the critical region for oculodentodigital dysplasia to chromosome 6q22-q23". Genomics. 58 (1): 34–40. doi:10.1006/geno.1999.5814. PMID 10331943.
  6. ^ Fishman GI, Eddy RL, Shows TB, Rosenthal L, Leinwand LA (May 1991). "The human connexin gene family of gap junction proteins: distinct chromosomal locations but similar structures". Genomics. 10 (1): 250–256. doi:10.1016/0888-7543(91)90507-B. PMID 1646158.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Entrez Gene: GJA1 gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43kDa".
  8. ^ a b c Cheng JC, Chang HM, Fang L, Sun YP, Leung PC (Jul 2015). "TGF-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression: a potential mechanism for human trophoblast cell differentiation". Journal of Cellular Physiology. 230 (7): 1558–1566. doi:10.1002/jcp.24902. PMID 25560303. S2CID 28968035.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Chevallier D, Carette D, Segretain D, Gilleron J, Pointis G (Apr 2013). "Connexin 43 a check-point component of cell proliferation implicated in a wide range of human testis diseases". Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 70 (7): 1207–1220. doi:10.1007/s00018-012-1121-3. PMC 11113700. PMID 22918484. S2CID 11855947.
  10. ^ a b Vliagoftis H, Ebeling C, Ilarraza R, Mahmudi-Azer S, Abel M, Adamko D, Befus AD, Moqbel R (2014). "Connexin 43 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils: role of gap junctions in transendothelial migration". BioMed Research International. 2014: 803257. doi:10.1155/2014/803257. PMC 4109672. PMID 25110696.
  11. ^ "Protein sequence of human GJA1 (Uniprot ID: P17302)". Cardiac Organellar Protein Atlas Knowledgebase (COPaKB). Archived from the original on 5 October 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Laird DW (Apr 2014). "Syndromic and non-syndromic disease-linked Cx43 mutations". FEBS Letters. 588 (8): 1339–1348. Bibcode:2014FEBSL.588.1339L. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.022. PMID 24434540. S2CID 20651016.
  13. ^ a b c Kameritsch P, Pogoda K, Pohl U (Aug 2012). "Channel-independent influence of connexin 43 on cell migration". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes. 1818 (8): 1993–2001. doi:10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.11.016. PMID 22155212.
  14. ^ Schiavi A, Hudder A, Werner R (Dec 1999). "Connexin43 mRNA contains a functional internal ribosome entry site". FEBS Letters. 464 (3): 118–122. Bibcode:1999FEBSL.464..118S. doi:10.1016/S0014-5793(99)01699-3. PMID 10618489. S2CID 26020820.
  15. ^ a b c d Ghosh S, Kumar A, Chandna S (Jul 2015). "Connexin-43 downregulation in G2/M phase enriched tumour cells causes extensive low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) associated with mitochondrial apoptotic events". Cancer Letters. 363 (1): 46–59. doi:10.1016/j.canlet.2015.03.046. PMID 25843295.
  16. ^ Boros-Rausch, A., Shynlova, O., & Lye, S. J. (2021). "A Broad-Spectrum Chemokine Inhibitor Blocks Inflammation-Induced Myometrial Myocyte-Macrophage Crosstalk and Myometrial Contraction". Cells. 11 (1): 128. doi: 10.3390/cells11010128 PMID 35011690
  17. ^ Pizzuti A, Flex E, Mingarelli R, Salpietro C, Zelante L, Dallapiccola B (Mar 2004). "A homozygous GJA1 gene mutation causes a Hallermann-Streiff/ODDD spectrum phenotype". Human Mutation. 23 (3): 286. doi:10.1002/humu.9220. PMID 14974090. S2CID 13345970.
  18. ^ Delmar M, Makita N (May 2012). "Cardiac connexins, mutations and arrhythmias". Current Opinion in Cardiology. 27 (3): 236–241. doi:10.1097/HCO.0b013e328352220e. PMID 22382502. S2CID 205620477.
  19. ^ Müller P, Leow MK, Dietrich JW (2022). "Minor perturbations of thyroid homeostasis and major cardiovascular endpoints-Physiological mechanisms and clinical evidence". Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. 9: 942971. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.942971. PMC 9420854. PMID 36046184.
  20. ^ Cameron SJ, Malik S, Akaike M, Lerner-Marmarosh N, Yan C, Lee JD, Abe J, Yang J (May 2003). "Regulation of epidermal growth factor-induced connexin 43 gap junction communication by big mitogen-activated protein kinase1/ERK5 but not ERK1/2 kinase activation". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 278 (20): 18682–18688. doi:10.1074/jbc.M213283200. PMID 12637502.
  21. ^ Schubert AL, Schubert W, Spray DC, Lisanti MP (May 2002). "Connexin family members target to lipid raft domains and interact with caveolin-1". Biochemistry. 41 (18): 5754–5764. doi:10.1021/bi0121656. PMID 11980479.
  22. ^ Giepmans BN, Moolenaar WH (1998). "The gap junction protein connexin43 interacts with the second PDZ domain of the zona occludens-1 protein". Current Biology. 8 (16): 931–934. Bibcode:1998CBio....8..931G. doi:10.1016/S0960-9822(07)00375-2. PMID 9707407. S2CID 6434044.
  23. ^ Cooper CD, Lampe PD (Nov 2002). "Casein kinase 1 regulates connexin-43 gap junction assembly". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 277 (47): 44962–44968. doi:10.1074/jbc.M209427200. PMID 12270943.
  24. ^ Giepmans BN, Feiken E, Gebbink MF, Moolenaar WH (2003). "Association of connexin43 with a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase". Cell Communication & Adhesion. 10 (4–6): 201–205. doi:10.1080/cac.10.4-6.201.205. PMID 14681016.

Further reading

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[edit]