Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels both contribute to the electrical properties of retinal pigment epithelium

Julia Fadjukov, Sophia Wienbar, Satu Hakanen, Vesa Aho, Maija Vihinen-Ranta, Teemu O. Ihalainen, Gregory W. Schwartz, Soile Nymark

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)
    6 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Gap junctions are intercellular channels that permit the transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. These cellular junctions are particularly dense in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and their contribution to many retinal diseases has been recognized. While gap junctions have been implicated in several aspects of RPE physiology, their role in shaping the electrical properties of these cells has not been characterized in mammals. The role of gap junctions in the electrical properties of the RPE is particularly important considering the growing appreciation of RPE as excitable cells containing various voltage-gated channels. We used a whole-cell patch clamp to measure the electrical characteristics and connectivity between RPE cells, both in cultures derived from human embryonic stem cells and in the intact RPE monolayers from mouse eyes. We found that the pharmacological blockade of gap junctions eliminated electrical coupling between RPE cells, and that the blockade of gap junctions or Cx43 hemichannels significantly increased their input resistance. These results demonstrate that gap junctions function in the RPE not only as a means of molecular transport but also as a regulator of electrical excitability.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numbere202112916
    Number of pages17
    JournalJournal of General Physiology
    Volume154
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 11 Mar 2022
    Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

    Publication forum classification

    • Publication forum level 2

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Physiology

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