ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the most relevant aspect of connexin oligomerization and the mechanisms that allow the formation of heteromeric channels. The formation of heteromeric channels changes the permeability and the conductance properties of hemichannels and gap junction channels. The oligomerization of connexins takes place in the ER or the Golgi apparatus depending on the connexin type. One suitable methodology for the recognition of the protein motifs involved in oligomerization is TOXCAT. The efficiency of TOXCAT as a dimerization predictor is equivalent to the calculations provided by using sedimentation equilibrium in detergents. The velocity sedimentation analysis of connexin oligomers consists of the separation of oligomers using ultracentrifugation in sucrose gradients from Triton-X100 soluble fractions of cell homogenates. Using a double patch clamp in a whole cell configuration is a powerful and versatile technique that allows performing electrophysiological recordings in pairs of cells with high input resistance and low junctional conductance.
