Oxyopia Abstract

January 26, 2007
Friday, 11:30 AM
100 Minor Hall

Charles Louis, D.Phil
Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside
Host: Xiaohua Gong

Title

Toward a Visual Prosthesis Based on Thalamic Microstimulation

Abstract

Regulation of connexin-medicated gap junctional communication and intracellular cytosolic Ca2+ concentration are key for maintaining transparency of the lens of the eye. Studies in our laboratory are defining the physiologic mechanisms that regulate the lens connexin protein connexin43. We have demonstrated that cytosolic Ca2+, acting via calmodulin, can effect an inhibition of cell-to-cell communication mediated by either lens gap junctions or connexin43–transfected HeLa cells. Although it is 18 years since the cloning of this ubiquitous connexin, the mechanism by which it is regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ concentration has remained unknown, new data from our laboratory may have answered this question. Furthermore, that lens connexins are regulated by multiple mechanisms is demonstrated by our observation that purinergic agonists inhibit lens gap junctions in a Ca2+-independent manner. The implications of these different mechanisms of regulating lens gap junctions in the maintenance of lens homeostasis will be discussed.

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