URMC Research Network - Camillo Peracchia

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Camillo Peracchia

Title	Professor Emeritus
Institution	School of Medicine and Dentistry
Department	Pharmacology and Physiology
Address	University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 711 Rochester NY 14642

Awards And Honors

1987			Elected Honorary Member of the Societá di Medicina e Scienze Naturali di Parma. Universitá di Parma, Italy.
1995			Commendation for Excellence in First Year Medical School Teaching
1996			Commendation for Excellence in First Year Medical School Teaching
1998			Manuel D. Goldman Prize for Excellence in First-Year
1999			Commendation for Excellence in First Year Medical School Teaching
2002			Commendation for Excellence in First Year Medical School Teaching
2004			Adolph Medal for Excellence in Physiology
2005			Commendation for Excellence in First Year Medical School Teaching

Overview

Our research has focused for several decades on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the permeability of gap junction channels. These channels mediate direct cell-to-cell exchange of small cytosolic molecules. Cell communication via gap junction channels is becoming an area of research increasingly relevant to clinical medicine. Altered cell-cell communication resulting from mutations of gap junction channel proteins (connexins), plays a key role in the X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, hereditary non-syndromic deafness, hereditary skin disorders, and certain forms of hereditary cataract, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias and cancer. Recently, we have demonstrated a functional interplay between the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel (CFTR) and various connexin channels. The mechanism of channel regulation and gating has been studied in paired Xenopus oocytes by dual voltage-clamp electrophysiology. The molecular domains that participate in channel gating have been studied by combining molecular genetics and biophysics. The participation of calmodulin in channel gating has been suggested by data generated in oocyte pairs expressing calmodulin and connexin mutants.

Selected Publications

Dodd R, Peracchia C, Stolady D, Török K. Calmodulin association with connexin32-derived peptides suggests trans-domain interaction in chemical gating of gap junction channels. J Biol Chem. 2008 Oct 3; 283(40):26911-20.

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Peracchia C, Salim M, Peracchia LL. Unusual slow gating of gap junction channels in oocytes expressing connexin32 or its COOH-terminus truncated mutant. J Membr Biol. 2007 Feb; 215(2-3):161-8.

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Kotsias BA, Salim M, Peracchia LL, Peracchia C. Interplay between cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator and gap junction channels made of connexins 45, 40, 32 and 50 expressed in oocytes. J Membr Biol. 2006; 214(1):1-8.

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Chanson M, Kotsias BA, Peracchia C, O'Grady SM. Interactions of connexins with other membrane channels and transporters. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2007 May-Jun; 94(1-2):233-44.

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Kotsias BA, Peracchia C. Functional interaction between CFTR and Cx45 gap junction channels expressed in oocytes. J Membr Biol. 2005 Feb; 203(3):143-50.

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Peracchia C, Peracchia LL. Inversion of both gating polarity and CO2 sensitivity of voltage gating with D3N mutation of Cx50. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2005 Jun; 288(6):C1381-9.

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Young KC, Peracchia C. Opposite Cx32 and Cx26 voltage-gating response to CO2 reflects opposite voltage-gating polarity. J Membr Biol. 2004 Dec; 202(3):161-70.

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Peracchia C, Chen JT, Peracchia LL. CO(2) sensitivity of voltage gating and gating polarity of gapjunction channels--connexin40 and its COOH-terminus-truncated mutant. J Membr Biol. 2004 Jul 15; 200(2):105-13.

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Peracchia C. Chemical gating of gap junction channels; roles of calcium, pH and calmodulin. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2004 Mar 23; 1662(1-2):61-80.

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Peracchia C, Young KC, Wang XG, Peracchia LL. Is the voltage gate of connexins CO2-sensitive? Cx45 channels and inhibition of calmodulin expression. J Membr Biol. 2003 Sep 1; 195(1):53-62.

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Peracchia C, Young KC, Wang XG, Chen JT, Peracchia LL. The voltage gates of connexin channels are sensitive to CO(2). Cell Commun Adhes. 2003 Jul-Dec; 10(4-6):233-7.

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Sotkis A, Wang XG, Yasumura T, Peracchia LL, Persechini A, Rash JE, Peracchia C. Calmodulin colocalizes with connexins and plays a direct role in gap junction channel gating. Cell Commun Adhes. 2001; 8(4-6):277-81.

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Peracchia C, Wang XG, Peracchia LL. Slow gating of gap junction channels and calmodulin. J Membr Biol. 2000 Nov 1; 178(1):55-70.

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Peracchia C, Sotkis A, Wang XG, Peracchia LL, Persechini A. Calmodulin directly gates gap junction channels. J Biol Chem. 2000 Aug 25; 275(34):26220-4.

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Peracchia C, Wang XG, Peracchia LL. Chemical gating of gap junction channels. Methods. 2000 Feb; 20(2):188-95.

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Peracchia C, Wang XG, Peracchia LL. Is the chemical gate of connexins voltage sensitive? Behavior of Cx32 wild-type and mutant channels. Am J Physiol. 1999 Jun; 276(6 Pt 1):C1361-73.

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Wang XG, Peracchia C. Molecular dissection of a basic COOH-terminal domain of Cx32 that inhibits gap junction gating sensitivity. Am J Physiol. 1998 Nov; 275(5 Pt 1):C1384-90.

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Wang XG, Peracchia C. Chemical gating of heteromeric and heterotypic gap junction channels. J Membr Biol. 1998 Mar 15; 162(2):169-76.

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Wang XG, Peracchia C. Positive charges of the initial C-terminus domain of Cx32 inhibit gap junction gating sensitivity to CO2. Biophys J. 1997 Aug; 73(2):798-806.

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Peracchia C, Wang XC. Connexin domains relevant to the chemical gating of gap junction channels. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1997 May; 30(5):577-90.

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Bukauskas FF, Peracchia C. Two distinct gating mechanisms in gap junction channels: CO2-sensitive and voltage-sensitive. Biophys J. 1997 May; 72(5):2137-42.

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Wang XG, Peracchia C. Connexin 32/38 chimeras suggest a role for the second half of inner loop in gap junction gating by low pH. Am J Physiol. 1996 Nov; 271(5 Pt 1):C1743-9.

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Li H, Liu TF, Lazrak A, Peracchia C, Goldberg GS, Lampe PD, Johnson RG. Properties and regulation of gap junctional hemichannels in the plasma membranes of cultured cells. J Cell Biol. 1996 Aug; 134(4):1019-30.

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Wang X, Li L, Peracchia LL, Peracchia C. Chimeric evidence for a role of the connexin cytoplasmic loop in gap junction channel gating. Pflugers Arch. 1996 Apr; 431(6):844-52.

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Peracchia C, Wang X, Li L, Peracchia LL. Inhibition of calmodulin expression prevents low-pH-induced gap junction uncoupling in Xenopus oocytes. Pflugers Arch. 1996 Jan; 431(3):379-87.

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Lazrak A, Peres A, Giovannardi S, Peracchia C. Ca-mediated and independent effects of arachidonic acid on gap junctions and Ca-independent effects of oleic acid and halothane. Biophys J. 1994 Sep; 67(3):1052-9.

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Lazrak A, Peracchia C. Gap junction gating sensitivity to physiological internal calcium regardless of pH in Novikoff hepatoma cells. Biophys J. 1993 Nov; 65(5):2002-12.

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Shen L, Shrager P, Girsch SJ, Donaldson PJ, Peracchia C. Channel reconstitution in liposomes and planar bilayers with HPLC-purified MIP26 of bovine lens. J Membr Biol. 1991 Oct; 124(1):21-32.

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Girsch SJ, Peracchia C. Calmodulin interacts with a C-terminus peptide from the lens membrane protein MIP26. Curr Eye Res. 1991 Sep; 10(9):839-49.

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Peracchia C. Effects of the anesthetics heptanol, halothane and isoflurane on gap junction conductance in crayfish septate axons: a calcium- and hydrogen-independent phenomenon potentiated by caffeine and theophylline, and inhibited by 4-aminopyridine. J Membr Biol. 1991 Apr; 121(1):67-78.

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Peracchia C. Effects of caffeine and ryanodine on low pHi-induced changes in gap junction conductance and calcium concentration in crayfish septate axons. J Membr Biol. 1990 Jul; 117(1):79-89.

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Peracchia C. Increase in gap junction resistance with acidification in crayfish septate axons is closely related to changes in intracellular calcium but not hydrogen ion concentration. J Membr Biol. 1990 Jan; 113(1):75-92.

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Peracchia C, Girsch SJ. Calmodulin site at the C-terminus of the putative lens gap junction protein MIP26. Lens Eye Toxic Res. 1989; 6(4):613-21.

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Taylor KA, Mullner N, Pikula S, Dux L, Peracchia C, Varga S, Martonosi A. Electron microscope observations on Ca2+-ATPase microcrystals in detergent-solubilized sarcoplasmic reticulum. J Biol Chem. 1988 Apr 15; 263(11):5287-94.

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Lu KS, Peracchia C. Freeze-fracture studies on the subcommissural organ tight junction in gerbils and mice. Proc Natl Sci Counc Repub China B. 1987 Jul; 11(3):289-96.

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Peracchia C. Calmodulin-like proteins and communicating junctions. Electrical uncoupling of crayfish septate axons is inhibited by the calmodulin inhibitor W7 and is not affected by cyclic nucleotides. Pflugers Arch. 1987 Apr; 408(4):379-85.

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Peracchia C, Girsch SJ. Is the C-terminal arm of lens gap junction channel protein the channel gate? Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1985 Dec 17; 133(2):688-95.

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Peracchia C, Girsch SJ, Bernardini G, Peracchia LL. Lens junctions are communicating junctions. Curr Eye Res. 1985 Nov; 4(11):1155-69.

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Peracchia C, Girsch SJ. Functional modulation of cell coupling: evidence for a calmodulin-driven channel gate. Am J Physiol. 1985 Jun; 248(6 Pt 2):H765-82.

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Peracchia C, Girsch SJ. Permeability and gating of lens gap junction channels incorporated into liposomes. Curr Eye Res. 1985 Apr; 4(4):431-9.

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Peracchia C, Peracchia LL. Bridges linking gap junction particles extracellularly: a freeze-etching rotary-shadowing study of split junctions. Eur J Cell Biol. 1985 Mar; 36(2):286-93.

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Girsch SJ, Peracchia C. Lens cell-to-cell channel protein: I. Self-assembly into liposomes and permeability regulation by calmodulin. J Membr Biol. 1985; 83(3):217-25.

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Martonosi A, Kracke G, Taylor KA, Dux L, Peracchia C. The regulation of the Ca2+ transport activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Soc Gen Physiol Ser. 1985; 39:57-85.

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Girsch SJ, Peracchia C. Lens cell-to-cell channel protein: II. Conformational change in the presence of calmodulin. J Membr Biol. 1985; 83(3):227-33.

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Peracchia C, Bernardini G. Gap junction structure and cell-to-cell coupling regulation: is there a calmodulin involvement? Fed Proc. 1984 Sep; 43(12):2681-91.

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Peracchia C, Dux L, Martonosi AN. Crystallization of intramembrane particles in rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles by vanadate. J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 1984 Aug; 5(4):431-42.

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Bernardini G, Peracchia C, Peracchia LL. Reversible effects of heptanol on gap junction structure and cell-to-cell electrical coupling. Eur J Cell Biol. 1984 Jul; 34(2):307-12.

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Peracchia C. Communicating junctions and calmodulin: inhibition of electrical uncoupling in Xenopus embryo by calmidazolium. J Membr Biol. 1984; 81(1):49-58.

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Peracchia C, Bernardini G, Peracchia LL. Is calmodulin involved in the regulation of gap junction permeability? Pflugers Arch. 1983 Oct; 399(2):152-4.

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Shrager P, Starkus JC, Lo MV, Peracchia C. The periaxonal space of crayfish giant axons. J Gen Physiol. 1983 Aug; 82(2):221-44.

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Eastwood AB, Franzini-Armstrong C, Peracchia C. Structure of membranes in crayfish muscle: comparison of phasic and tonic fibres. J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 1982 Sep; 3(3):273-94.

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Bernardini G, Peracchia C, Venosa RA. Healing-over in rat crystalline lens. J Physiol. 1981 Nov; 320:187-92.

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Bernardini G, Peracchia C. Gap junction crystallization in lens fibers after an increase in cell calcium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1981 Aug; 21(2):291-9.

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Peracchia C. Direct communication between axons and sheath glial cells in crayfish. Nature. 1981 Apr 16; 290(5807):597-8.

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Peracchia C, Peracchia LL. Gap junction dynamics: reversible effects of divalent cations. J Cell Biol. 1980 Dec; 87(3 Pt 1):708-18.

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Peracchia C, Peracchia LL. Gap junction dynamics: reversible effects of hydrogen ions. J Cell Biol. 1980 Dec; 87(3 Pt 1):719-27.

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Peracchia C. Structural correlates of gap junction permeation. Int Rev Cytol. 1980; 66:81-146.

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Peracchia C. Calcium effects on gap junction structure and cell coupling. Nature. 1978 Feb 16; 271(5646):669-71.

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Peracchia C. Gap junctions. Structural changes after uncoupling procedures. J Cell Biol. 1977 Mar; 72(3):628-41.

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Peracchia C, Dulhunty AF. Low resistance junctions in crayfish. Structural changes with functional uncoupling. J Cell Biol. 1976 Aug; 70(2 pt 1):419-39.

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Schnapp B, Peracchia C, Mugnaini E. The paranodal axo-glial junction in the central nervous system studied with thin sections and freeze-fracture. Neuroscience. 1976 Jun; 1(3):181-90.

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Peracchia C. Excitable membrane ultrastructure. I. Freeze fracture of crayfish axons. J Cell Biol. 1974 Apr; 61(1):107-22.

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Peracchia C. Low resistance junctions in crayfish. II. Structural details and further evidence for intercellular channels by freeze-fracture and negative staining. J Cell Biol. 1973 Apr; 57(1):54-65.

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Peracchia C. Low resistance junctions in crayfish. I. Two arrays of globules in junctional membranes. J Cell Biol. 1973 Apr; 57(1):66-76.

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Peracchia C, Mittler BS. Fixation by means of glutaraldehyde-hydrogen peroxide reaction products. J Cell Biol. 1972 Apr; 53(1):234-8.

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Peracchia C, Mittler BS. New glutaraldehyde fixation procedures. J Ultrastruct Res. 1972 Apr; 39(1):57-64.

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Peracchia C, Robertson JD. Increase in osmiophilia of axonal membranes of crayfish as a result of electrical stimulation, asphyxia, or treatment with reducing agents. J Cell Biol. 1971 Oct; 51(1):223-39.

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Peracchia C. A system of parallel septa in crayfish nerve fibers. J Cell Biol. 1970 Jan; 44(1):125-33.

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Peracchia C. [Ultrastructural changes in the spinal cord in experimental tetanic intoxication]. Pathol Biol. 1967 Feb; 15(3):132-40.

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Peracchia C, Vassallo C. Alterations in collagen in the arteries of thromboangiitic patients. Angiology. 1966 Jul; 17(7):451-9.

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Peracchia C, Meldolesi J, Pelosi G. [Ultrastructural alterations of the rat sciatic nerve in tetanic poisoning]. Sperimentale. 1966 May-Jun; 116(3):169-89.

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Peracchia C. Ultrastructure of the spinal cord and the sciatic nerve of rats with tetanus toxin poisoning. Lab Invest. 1966 Feb; 15(2):479-91.

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Clementi F, Nidiry J, Peracchia C. [Electron microscope study of myocardial alterations in relation to diverse experimental infarcts]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1965 Oct; 13(10):669-77.

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Clementi F, Peracchia C, Vassallo C. [Ultrastructural study of lumbar sympathetic ganglia of man]. Arch Ital Anat Embriol. 1965 Jun; 70(2):103-13.

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CLEMENTI F, PERACCHIA C, VASSALLO C. [HISTOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES OF THE LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA IN BUERGER-TYPE PERIPHERAL THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS]. Presse Med. 1965 Feb 24; 73:537-42.

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PERACCHIA C. [ON MORPHOLOGIC ALTERATIONS OF LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA IN THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS OF THE LEGS]. Atti Accad Med Lomb. 1964 Aug-Dec; 19:371-7.

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