A biophysical approach to the study of the structure and function of connexin channel nanopores

Connexins are transmembrane proteins that form intercellular junctional channels in vertebrates and are known or suspected to be involved in a wide variety of biological processes including cardiac development and function, hearing, hematopoesis, regeneration, lens transparency, fertility, immune system function and protection from oxidative stress. Connexin mutations can cause developmental and physiological defects, and link to various diseases. In particular, defective permeation of cAMP or inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) through connexin channels is associated with peripheral neuropathies and deafness, respectively.