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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...

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...

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...

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
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Many proteins form complexes to carry out their functions, making protein-protein interactions (PPIs) essential for an organism's survival. Most PPIs are stabilized by numerous weak noncovalent chemical forces. The physical shape of the interfaces determines the way two proteins interact. Many globular proteins have closely-matching shapes on their surfaces, which form a large number of weak bonds. Additionally, many PPIs occur between two helices or between a surface cleft and a polypeptide...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Functional heterotypic interactions between astrocyte and oligodendrocyte connexins.

Laura M Magnotti¹, Daniel A Goodenough, David L Paul

¹Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

|November 4, 2010

Summary

Central nervous system myelin maintenance needs connexins from astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study reveals specific connexin interactions forming asymmetric, heterotypic channels crucial for myelin sheath integrity.

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Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

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Published on: October 4, 2018

Analysis of Schwann-astrocyte Interactions Using In Vitro Assays

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The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

Published on: November 14, 2016

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Genetics

Background:

Central nervous system (CNS) myelin maintenance relies on connexin expression by both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Intercellular channels between these cells are asymmetric (heterotypic) due to nonoverlapping connexin expression.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the specific connexin interactions between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.
To determine the formation of heterotypic channels and their potential contribution to CNS myelin maintenance.

Main Methods:

Functional analysis of connexin interactions between oligodendrocyte and astrocyte cell types.
Testing specific connexin (Cx47, Cx32, Cx43, Cx30, Cx26) pairings to assess channel formation.

Main Results:

Oligodendrocyte Cx47 forms heterotypic channels with astrocyte Cx43 or Cx30, but not Cx26.
Oligodendrocyte Cx32 interacts with astrocyte Cx30 or Cx26, but not Cx43.
Up to four distinct types of heterotypic intercellular channels can form between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Conclusions:

Specific connexin combinations dictate heterotypic channel formation between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
These heterotypic channels are essential for the proper maintenance of CNS myelin.
Understanding these interactions provides insight into human genetic diseases affecting myelin.