Anti-Connexin-45 (Cx45) Antibody

Connexin-45 is a component of gap junctions, which are composed of a cluster of closely packed pairs of transmembrane channels, the connexons, through which materials of low molecular weight diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell. SUBUNIT: A connexon is composed of a hexamer of connexins. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Membrane; multi-pass membrane protein. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the connexin family. Alpha-type (group II) subfamily. Alternatively spliced isoforms have been described.

A synthetic peptide (QAYSHQN NPHGPRE) as part of human Connexin-45 protein (aa: 354-367) conjugated to diphtheria toxoid has been used as the immunogen.

Spin vial briefly before opening. Reconstitute in 100 μL sterile-filtered, ultrapure water. Centrifuge to remove any insoluble material. After reconstitution keep aliquots at -20°C for a higher stability, and at 2-8°C with an appropriate antibacterial agent. Glycerol (1:1) may be added for an additional stability. Avoid repetitive freeze/thaw cycles.

Western blotting of cell membranes of COS cells transiently transfected with cDNA encoding Connexin-45 shows a singular band of molecular weight 47 kDa which is abolished by preincubation with the immunising peptide. No such band is detected in Western blots of membranes from non-transfected cells or cells transfected with cDNA encoding Connexin-37 or Connexin-40. This antiserum reacts to human Connexin-45.