Bernardo I. PintoAmaury PupoIsaac E. GarcíaKarel Mena-UleciaMartínez, AgustínAgustínMartínezLatorre, RamónRamónLatorreCarlos Gonzalez2025-12-072025-12-072017-11-1410.1038/s41598-017-15975-52-s2.0-85034647583https://cris-uv-2.scimago.es/handle/123456789/7344WOS:000415692800023The opening of connexin (Cx) hemichannels in the membrane is tightly regulated by calcium (Ca2+) and membrane voltage. Electrophysiological and atomic force microscopy experiments indicate that Ca2+ stabilizes the hemichannel closed state. However, structural data show that Ca2+ binding induces an electrostatic seal preventing ion transport without significant structural rearrangements. In agreement with the closed-state stabilization hypothesis, we found that the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity is increased as the voltage is made more negative. Moreover, the voltage and Ca2+ dependence of the channel kinetics indicate that the voltage sensor movement and Ca2+ binding are allosterically coupled. An allosteric kinetic model in which the Ca2+ decreases the energy necessary to deactivate the voltage sensor reproduces the effects of Ca2+ and voltage in Cx46 hemichannels. In agreement with the model and suggesting a conformational change that narrows the pore, Ca2+ inhibits the water flux through Cx hemichannels. We conclude that Ca2+ and voltage act allosterically to stabilize the closed conformation of Cx46 hemichannels.enacceso abiertoMultidisciplinary SciencesMultidisciplinaryarticle