Hemichannel
- Serine 319 phosphorylation is necessary and sufficient to induce a Cx37 conformation that leads to arrested cell cycling
Summary: Cx37-mediated switching between proliferation and growth arrest depends on phosphorylation at serine 319, which induces a protein conformation that likely supports unique interactions with cell cycle regulatory proteins.
- Connexin hemichannels mediate glutathione transport and protect lens fiber cells from oxidative stress
Summary: Connexin hemichannels activated by oxidative stress in lens fiber cells mediate a cell protective mechanism through the uptake of reductants, maintaining lens transparency and homeostasis.