Phosphorylation of connexin43 on S279/282 may contribute to laminopathy-associated conduction defects
An understanding of the molecular mechanism behind the arrhythmic phenotype associated with laminopathies has yet to emerge. A-type lamins have been shown to interact and sequester activated phospho-ERK1/2(pERK1/2) at the nucleus. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) can be phosphorylated by pERK1/2 on S279/282 (pS279/282), inhibiting intercellular communication. We hypothesized that without A-type lamins, pS279/282 Cx43 will increase due to inappropriate phosphorylation by pERK1/2, resulting in decreased gap junction function. We observed a 1.6-fold increase in pS279/282 Cx43 levels in Lmna{sup −/−} mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to Lmna{sup +/+}, and 1.8-fold more pERK1/2 co-precipitated from Lmna{sup −/−} MEFs with Cx43 antibodies. We found a 3-fold increase in the fraction of non-nuclear pERK1/2 and a concomitant 2-fold increase in the fraction of pS279/282 Cx43 in Lmna{sup −/−} MEFs by immunofluorescence. In an assay of gap junctional function, Lmna{sup −/−} MEFs transferred dye to 60% fewer partners compared to Lmna{sup +/+} controls. These results are mirrored in 5–6 week-old Lmna{sup −/−} mice compared to their Lmna{sup +/+} littermates as we detect increased pS279/282 Cx43 in gap junctions by immunofluorescence and 1.7-fold increased levels by immunoblot. We conclude that increased pS279/282 Cx43 in the Lmna{sup −/−} background results in decreased cell communication and may contribute to the arrhythmic pathology in vivo. - Highlights: ► Connexin43 phosphorylation plays a role in laminopathy-associated conduction defects. ► Loss of A-type lamin activity results in release of pERK1/2 from the nucleus. ► Increased cytoplasmic localization of pERK1/2 acts to phosphorylate S279/282 of Cx43. ► Phosphorylation of S279/282 on Cx43 decreases gap junction activity in cell culture. ► Mice lacking A-type lamins have increased phosphorylation on S279/282 of Cx43.
- OSTI ID:
- 22278224
- Journal Information:
- Experimental Cell Research, Journal Name: Experimental Cell Research Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 319; ISSN 0014-4827; ISSN ECREAL
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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