Convergent NMDA receptor—Pannexin1 signaling pathways regulate the interaction of CaMKII with Connexin-36

Abstract

Siu et al use FRET imaging in neuronal cell lines to explore the interplay between the gap junction channel protein Connexin-36 (Cx36) and NMDA receptor and Pannexin 1-mediated calcium signaling. They demonstrate that an increase in intracellular calcium promotes binding of CaMKII to Cx36, leading to increased gap junction opening, thus providing a pathway by which components of chemical and electrical synapses communicate.