Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
Published on: May 30, 2017
Connexins: a junctional crossroad to breast cancer
Jamal A El-Saghir1, Elia T El-Habre, Marwan E El-Sabban
1Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
The mammary gland presents a valuable model for developmental studies, spanning the embryonic stage through menarche to menopause. The dynamic remodeling of this gland is orchestrated by cellular heterogeneity, integrating mammogenic, systemic and local cues. Gap junctional intercellular communication provides pivotal cross talk of mammary epithelial cells with the surrounding cells and their local microenvironment. Connexins are involved in regulating normal and pathological mammary gland development, through channel-dependent and channel-independent roles. Modulation of the isoforms of connexins expressed, as well as their differential assembly into connexons and recruitment of a variety of associated partners, contributes to the complexity of signaling relayed at the membrane. This confers context-dependent functions of connexins at different stages of development and carcinogenesis. This review will summarize available knowledge about the functional dynamics of connexins and gap junctions in regulating normal mammary gland development and its pathophysiology.
Related Concept Videos
Gap Junctions
Gap Junctions
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Contact-dependent Signaling
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
Tight Junctions
