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Related Concept Videos

Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

48.1K
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...
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Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

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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...
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Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

Contact-dependent Signaling

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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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Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that...
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Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

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Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

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Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses
06:07

RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses

Published on: October 10, 2025

685

Connexin hemichannels in the lens.

Eric C Beyer1, Viviana M Berthoud1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA.

Frontiers in Physiology
|February 28, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Cellular communication in the avascular lens relies on gap junctions. Hemichannels, formed by connexins and other proteins, play roles in normal lens function and disease, including cataracts.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • The avascular lens depends on intercellular communication via gap junctions for cell survival.
  • Lens gap junctions are primarily formed by connexins (Cx43, Cx46, Cx50).
  • Other lens proteins, such as pannexin1, can also form functional hemichannels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of hemichannels in lens physiology and pathophysiology.
  • To explore the contribution of hemichannels to normal lens function and disease development.

Main Methods:

  • Expression systems were used to study connexin-induced hemichannel currents.
  • Electrophysiological techniques detected hemichannel currents in isolated lens fiber cells.

Main Results:

Keywords:
cataractconnexin46connexin50gap junctionlens

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  • Connexins (Cx43, Cx46, Cx50) and pannexin1 induce hemichannel currents in expression systems.
  • Hemichannel currents were detected in isolated lens fiber cells, suggesting their presence in vivo.
  • Aberrant hemichannel gating and divalent cation modulation are implicated in congenital cataracts.

Conclusions:

  • Hemichannels are present in lens fiber cells and likely contribute significantly to lens physiology.
  • Dysfunctional hemichannels may play a role in the pathogenesis of congenital, age-related, and disease-related cataracts.