Structure-Function Correlation Analysis of Connexin50 Missense Mutations Causing Congenital Cataract: Electrostatic Potential Alteration Could Determine Intracellular Trafficking Fate of Mutants
Figure 3
Changes in surface electrostatic potential in the functionally characterized Cx50 mutations. The molecular surface is colored according to electrostatic potential using the Swiss-PdbViewer, with red-white-blue corresponding to acidic-neutral-basic potential. WT: wild type Cx50. S.E.P.: surface electrostatic potential. (a) Mutations in TM1-EC1 junction (V44E, W45S), EC1 (G46V, D47N, and E48K), TM2 (V79L), and EC2-TM4 junction (E201K); (b) mutation in TM1 (R23T); (c) mutations in EC2-TM4 junction (R198W/Q). W45S, G46V, and V79L involve no change in surface electrostatic potential; the surface electrostatic potential of D47N, E48K, and E201K is less acidic than WT; in the case of R23T, V44E, R198W, and R198Q, the surface electrostatic potential is more acidic than WT. All mutants (except V44E) with changes in surface electrostatic potential exhibit impaired trafficking. Yellow dotted circle represents the region of significant alteration of SEP.
