Research Interests

Research is focused on understanding the physiological and developmental roles of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, particularly in the vascular wall and in cardiac tissues. Gap junctions are tightly packed clusters of intercellular channels that permit the direct transfer of signaling molecules, ions, and small metabolites between adjacent cells. In vertebrates, intercellular channels are made up of connexins, a family of ~20 related proteins that have distinct expression patterns and functional properties. In humans, connexin mutations have been linked to a number of diseases, including deafness, demyelinating neuropathies, skin diseases and lens cataracts. Alterations in connexin expression and function are also associated with cardiovascular disease. Current research uses a variety of approaches, including connexin knockout mice, to investigate the role of connexins in cardiovascular development and function.

Graduate Program Affiliations

Physiological Sciences

Publications

Norris RP, Freudzon M, Mehlman LM, Cowan AE, Simon AM, Paul DL, Lampe PD, Jaffe LA. Oct 2008. Norris RP, Freudzon M, Mehlman LM, Cowan AE, Simon AM, Paul DL, Lampe PD, and Jaffe LA (2008) Luteinizing hormone causes MAP kinase-dependent phosphorylation and closure of connexin 43 gap junctions in mouse ovarian follicles: one of two paths to meiotic resumption. Development, 135:3229-38

Bolon ML, Kidder GM, Simon AM, Tyml K. Apr 2007. Lipopolysaccharide reduces electrical coupling in microvascular endothelial cells by targeting connexin40 in a tyrosine-, ERK1/2-, PKA- and PKC-dependent manner. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 211:159-66

Simon AM, Chen H, Jackson CL. Jan 2006. Cx37 and Cx43 localize to zona pellucida in mouse ovarian follicles. Cell Commun Adhes, 13:61-77

Simon AM, McWhorter AR, Chen H, Jackson CL, Ouellette Y. Jul 2004. Decreased Intercellular Communication and Connexin Expression in Mouse Aortic Endothelium during Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation. J Vasc Res, 41:323-333

Simon AM, McWhorter AR, Dones JA, Jackson CL, Chen H. Jan 2004. Heart and head defects in mice lacking pairs of connexins. Dev Biol, 265:369-83

Simon AM, McWhorter AR. Jul 2003. Role of connexin37 and connexin40 in vascular development. Cell Commun Adhes, 10:379-85

Simon AM, McWhorter AR. Jun 2003. Decreased intercellular dye-transfer and downregulation of non-ablated connexins in aortic endothelium deficient in connexin37 or connexin40. J Cell Sci, 116:2223-36

Figueroa XF, Paul DL, Simon AM, Goodenough DA, Day KH, Damon DN, Duling BR. Apr 2003. Central role of connexin40 in the propagation of electrically activated vasodilation in mouse cremasteric arterioles in vivo. Circ Res, 92:793-800

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