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Updated: May 23, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
Regulation of intercellular calcium signaling through calcium interactions with connexin-based channels
Juan A Orellana1, Helmuth A Sánchez, Kurt A Schalper
1Departamento de Neurología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, 8330024, Santiago, Chile. jaorella@uc.cl
Abstract:
The synchronization of numerous cellular events requires complex electric and metabolic cell-cell interactions. Connexins are a family of membrane proteins that constitute the molecular basis of two kinds of channels: gap junction channels (GJCs), which allow direct cytoplasm-cytoplasm communication, and hemichannels (HCs) that provide a pathway for exchanges between the intra and extra-cellular milieu. Both kind of connexin-based channels support intercellular communication via intercellular propagation of calcium waves. Here, we review evidence supporting the role of Ca(2+) in the regulation of GJCs and HCs formed by connexins. Also it is speculated how these connexin-based channels could contribute to the propagation of intercellular Ca(2+) signals.
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