A structural characterization of gap junctions isolated from mouse liver.
Mouse liver gap junctions have been isolated by using an anionic detergent, n-dodecanoyl sarcosine, in combination with non-ionic polyoxyethylene ethers (Brij 35 and Brij 58) and (W-1) detergents. Purified gap junctions are obtained in a sucrose step gradient containing 1-o-n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. This procedure is aimed at minimizing proteolysis. The junctions thus isolated have a hexagonal lattice of connexons with a lattice constant of 7.6-8.4 nm. Presence of a major Mr 26,000 gap junctional protein has been confirmed by SDS-PAGE.
D000818:Animals; D002458:Cell Fractionation / Q000379:methods; D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient / Q000379:methods; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron