August-September Updates

We are excited to announce the recent publications from our research group on large-pore permeation and lipid-channel interactions.

1. Large-pore connexin Hemichannels Function Like Molecule Transporters Independent of Ion Conduction 
   Pablo S. Gaete, Deepak Kumar, Cynthia I. Fernandez, Juan M. Valdez Capuccino, Aashish Bhatt, Wenjuan Jiang, Yi-Chun Lin, Yu Liu, Andrew L. Harris, Yun L. Luo, Jorge E. Contreras  
   -- PNAS, e2403903121, Volume 121, 33 (2024)​
 This study explores the unique functionality of large-pore connexin hemichannels. The research demonstrates how these channels transport molecules independent of ion conduction, revealing new insights into their role in cellular communication.  
 Published: August 8, 2024  
 Link:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403903121

2. Lipophilic Compounds Restore Function to Neurodevelopmental-Associated KCNQ3 Mutations  
   Michaela A. Edmond, Andy Hinojo-Perez, Mekedlawit Efrem, Lin Yi-Chun, Iqra Shams, Sebastien Hayoz, Alicia de la Cruz, Marta E. Perez Rodriguez, Maykelis Diaz-Solares, Derek M. Dykxhoorn, Yun Lyna Luo, Rene Barro-Soria  
-- Communications Biology, volume 7, Article number: 1181 (2024) ​
This paper focuses on the discovery that lipophilic compounds can restore function to KCNQ3 mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. This groundbreaking finding opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.  
 Published: September 19, 2024  
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06873-4?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20240919&utm_content=10.1038/s42003-024-06873-4