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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...

Gap Junctions

Gap Junctions

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...

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

Contact-dependent Signaling

Contact-dependent Signaling

Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...

Cell Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products

Published on: December 25, 2016

Migrating cells retain gap junction plaque structure and function.

Bado Hewa Defranco¹, Beth M Nickel, Catherine J Baty

¹Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.

Cell Communication & Adhesion

|November 4, 2008

Summary

Gap junctions maintain cell communication during migration, retaining plaques at contact sites. Internalization occurs before detachment, but communication persists even as cells separate.

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Migratory Behavior of Cells Generated in Ganglionic Eminence Cultures

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products

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Dissection, Culture and Analysis of Primary Cranial Neural Crest Cells from Mouse for the Study of Neural Crest Cell Delamination and Migration

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Migratory Behavior of Cells Generated in Ganglionic Eminence Cultures

Migratory Behavior of Cells Generated in Ganglionic Eminence Cultures

Published on: April 21, 2011

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Cell migration is crucial for development and healing.
The role of gap junctions in cell migration remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate gap junction dynamics and cell communication during adrenocortical cell migration.

Main Methods:

Connexin 43-green fluorescent protein transfection for gap junction visualization.
Time-lapse imaging and immunocytochemistry for cell movement and gap junction analysis.
Lucifer yellow dye transfer and FRAP to assess cell communication.

Main Results:

Gap junction plaques were retained at cell contact sites during sheet-like migration.
Cells at the leading edge maintained communication with contacting cells.
Gap junction plaques were internalized before cell detachment, but communication continued during migration.

Conclusions:

Gap junctions play a role in maintaining cell-cell communication during migration.
Cells can retain gap junctions and communication capacity while migrating.
Gap junction internalization is a mechanism for removal during cell separation.