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Gap Junctions

Gap Junctions

Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...

G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

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GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
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Gap Junctions

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The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: September 28, 2016

Gap junctional hemichannels in the heart.

S John¹, D Cesario, J N Weiss

¹UCLA Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and Physiology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 90095-1760, USA.

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica

|August 28, 2003

Summary

Heart ventricular myocytes have hemichannels (connexons) that regulate cell communication. These channels open under stress via dephosphorylation, potentially impacting heart function and disease.

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

Determination of the Relative Cell Surface and Total Expression of Recombinant Ion Channels Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: September 28, 2016

Quantifying Intermembrane Distances with Serial Image Dilations

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Published on: September 28, 2018

Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes

Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes

Published on: January 21, 2022

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

Cells communicate via gap junctions, formed by hemichannels (connexons).
Hemichannels facilitate molecular exchange between adjacent cell cytoplasms.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence for hemichannel function in heart ventricular myocytes.
To explore hemichannel regulation and its physiological implications.

Main Methods:

Morphological analysis of hemichannel insertion into plasma membranes.
Electrophysiological detection and dye uptake assays for functional assessment.
In vivo studies on biological regulation of hemichannels.

Main Results:

Hemichannels are inserted into the plasma membrane and can be detected functionally.
Phosphorylation, regulated by MAPK pathways, keeps hemichannels closed under normal conditions.
Stress (hyperosmolarity, metabolic inhibition) dephosphorylates hemichannels, leading to opening and ion flux.

Conclusions:

Hemichannel opening in heart cells is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation.
Open hemichannels allow dye uptake and ion exchange, potentially affecting heart physiology and pathophysiology.