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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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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight...
19.1K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

4.0K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
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Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

2.7K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

A Functional Assay for Gap Junctional Examination; Electroporation of Adherent Cells on Indium-Tin Oxide
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A Functional Assay for Gap Junctional Examination; Electroporation of Adherent Cells on Indium-Tin Oxide

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Stat3 and gap junctions in normal and lung cancer cells.

Stephanie Guy1, Mulu Geletu2, Rozanne Arulanandam1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada. 11sg27@queensu.ca.

Cancers
|March 28, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (Stat3) is essential for gap junction communication, even though it promotes cell growth. Inhibiting Stat3 disrupts this communication in normal and cancer cells.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gap junctions facilitate communication between adjacent cells.
  • Reduced gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is linked to increased cell proliferation.
  • Oncogenes like Src can inhibit GJIC via specific signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (Stat3) in regulating GJIC.
  • To determine if Stat3 mediates the suppressive effects of Src on GJIC.
  • To clarify the function of activated Stat3 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Src activity and phosphorylated Stat3 levels in NSCLC cell lines.
  • Assessment of GJIC following Stat3 inhibition in various cell models.
  • Examination of the impact of Stat3 inhibition on cells with differing Src activity levels.

Main Results:

  • High Src activity correlated with high levels of activated Stat3 in most NSCLC lines.
  • Stat3 inhibition did not restore GJIC in cells with high Src activity.
  • Stat3 inhibition abolished GJIC in normal cells and cells with low Src activity.

Conclusions:

  • Stat3 is unexpectedly required for maintaining gap junctional permeability.
  • Despite its growth-promoting oncogenic potential, Stat3 plays a crucial role in GJIC.
  • Targeting Stat3 may have complex effects on cell communication in cancer therapy.