Molecular basis of cardiomiopathy
Abstract
The normal heart rhythm is guaranteed by an important
intercellular junctions system, named Gap Junction (GJs). Each
GJs consists of two units called connexons formed by six
specific trans-membrane proteins named connexins (Cx). Recent
reports suggest the presence of Cx43 in the inner mitochondrial
membrane where it plays an important cardioprotection
mechanism. Alterations in Cx43 expression and distribution
were observed in several myocardium disease; i.e. in
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure and ischemia. Thus,
in this doctoral study, we investigated the role of Cx43, and in
particular of mitochondrial Cx43, in different cardiomyopaties
models... [edited by Author]