Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
Human diseases: clues to cracking the connexin code?
D P Kelsell1, J Dunlop, M B Hodgins
1Centre for Cutaneous Research, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary College, 2 Newark Street, Whitechapel, E1 2AT, London, UK.
Abstract:
The vertebrate gap junctions formed by the connexin family of transmembrane proteins came to the attention of geneticists in 1993 with the identification of mutations linked to a form of demyelinating neuropathy. Since then, several other genetic disorders have been linked to mutations in specific connexin genes. Also, different diseases can result from different mutations in the same connexin gene. In addition, specific connexin knockout mice have surprising phenotypes. This is leading cell biologists to look afresh at connexins and their involvement in intercellular communication through gap junctions, a process that seems central to coordinating cell function within tissues. Here, we comment on how genetic studies are giving a new impetus to the cell biology of gap junctions.
Related Concept Videos
Contact-dependent Signaling
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
Gap Junctions
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Tight Junctions
Gap Junctions

