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Related Concept Videos

Gap Junctions01:37

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 Junctions01:27

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...
The Bone Matrix01:18

The Bone Matrix

Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue01:23

Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue

Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
Compact Bone01:27

Compact Bone

Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
10:46

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 16, 2013

[Role of Gap junctions in bone tissue].

Edyta Wróbel1, Joanna Leszczyńska, Jacek Przybylski

  • 1Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland. edyta.wrobel@wum.edu.pl

Postepy Biochemii
|May 10, 2012
PubMed
Summary

This review explores how gap junctions support bone tissue function. These channels allow direct communication between bone cells like osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The study highlights the role of connexin 43 in regulating bone formation and turnover. Gap junctions help coordinate cell activity, which is essential for bone modeling and regeneration. The findings suggest that intercellular communication via these channels is important for maintaining healthy bone tissue. Researchers also note that hormones and growth factors influence gap junction formation. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better strategies for bone regeneration and treatment of bone-related conditions.

Keywords:
bone cell communicationconnexin 43 roleosteogenesis mechanismsgap junctions function

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Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products
05:27

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

Area of Science:

  • Cellular communication in skeletal biology
  • Bone remodeling mechanisms
  • Intercellular signaling in tissue regeneration

Background:

Intercellular communication is essential for tissue coordination. Gap junctions facilitate direct signal exchange between adjacent cells. These channels are vital for tissue and organ function. Prior research has shown their role in various physiological processes. However, the specific contribution of gap junctions in bone tissue remains unclear. This gap motivated the current review of existing literature. Bone turnover involves osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Their interactions are influenced by intercellular communication mechanisms.

Purpose Of The Study:

This review aims to clarify the role of gap junctions in bone tissue function. Bone turnover depends on coordinated cell activity. The study focuses on how intercellular communication affects this process. Researchers examined the involvement of gap junctions in osteoblast and osteoclast regulation. The goal is to synthesize current knowledge on this topic. Special attention is given to connexin 43's role in osteogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms could improve tissue regeneration strategies. The review highlights the importance of gap junctions in bone modeling.

Main Methods:

The authors conducted a literature review of existing studies on gap junctions. They analyzed how these channels influence bone cell behavior. The focus was on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. The review included studies on connexin 43's role in osteogenesis. Researchers evaluated the regulation of gap junctions by hormones and growth factors. They examined the impact of intercellular communication on bone turnover. The synthesis of findings was based on published experimental data. The review approach aimed to clarify current knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

Gap junctions are crucial for direct communication between bone cells. Connexin 43 is a key component in these channels. These junctions regulate osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. They also influence osteoclast formation and activity. Hormones and growth factors modulate gap junction formation. The review suggests that these channels are involved in bone modeling. Intercellular communication via gap junctions supports tissue regeneration. The findings highlight the importance of connexin 43 in osteogenesis.

Conclusions:

The review suggests that gap junctions are involved in bone tissue function. Connexin 43 plays a significant role in osteogenesis. These channels regulate osteoblast and osteoclast activity. The study highlights the importance of intercellular communication. The authors propose that gap junctions support bone turnover processes. They suggest that these channels contribute to tissue regeneration. The findings align with current understanding of bone cell interactions. The review emphasizes the need for further investigation into these mechanisms.

Gap junctions facilitate direct communication between bone cells, supporting bone turnover and regeneration.

Connexin 43 is a key component of gap junctions in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes.

Gap junctions regulate osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and maturation.

Hormones, growth factors, and signaling molecules regulate gap junction formation and connexin synthesis.

Gap junctions influence osteoclast formation and activity through intercellular communication.

The review suggests connexin 43 plays a significant role in regulating osteogenesis and bone modeling.