Humana Connexin Methods and Protocols: 154 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 154)

Direct cell–cell communication is a common property of multicellular organisms that is achieved through membrane channels which are organized in gap junctions. The protein subunits of these intercellular channels, the connexins, form a multigene family that has been investigated in great detail in recent years. It has now become clear that, in different tissues, connexins speak several languages that control specific cellular functions. This progress has been made possible by the availability of new molecular tools and the improvement of basic techniques for the study of membrane channels, as well as by the use of genetic approaches to study protein function in vivo. More important, connexins have gained visibility because mutations in some connexin genes have been found to be linked to human genetic disorders. Connexin Methods and Protocols presents in detail a collection of te- niques currently used to study the cellular and molecular biology of connexins and their physiological properties. The field of gap junctions and connexin research has always been characterized by a multidisciplinary approach c- bining morphology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cellular and molecular biology. This book provides a series of cutting-edge protocols and includes a large spectrum of practical methods that are available to investigate the fu- tion of connexin channels. Connexin Methods and Protocols is divided into three main parts. Review "This book will be invaluable to those in the connexin field and a fascinating read and useful text to those new to this area of research." -Molecular Biotechnology From the Back Cover An essential element in direct cell-cell communication between virtually all cell types in vertebrates, connexins have been recently linked to an increasing number of human genetic diseases. In Connexin Methods and Protocols, well established investigators describe in detail their best techniques for studying the cellular and molecular biology of connexins, as well as their physiological properties. These forefront methods are specifically designed to investigate the life of connexins from biosynthesis to assembly into gap junction channels, and also include powerful assays to perform functional studies on these routes of cell-cell communication. To ensure experimental success, each time-tested technique contains detailed step-by-step instructions, as well as tips on how to avoid pitfalls. Also discussed are the many specific theoretical aspects of connexin biology and physiology. Cutting-edge and highly practical, Connexin Methods and Protocols offers laboratory researchers a comprehensive collection of proven methods for studying the role of connexins in intercellular communication and human genetic disorders, as well as finding promising new therapeutics for those disorders.