Anti-Connexin 43 Antibody, N-terminal Antibody, clone P1E11.B19 clone P1E11, from mouse

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.