Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
10:46
Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
16.8K
Connexons and pannexons: newcomers in neurophysiology
Giselle Cheung1, Oana Chever1, Nathalie Rouach1
1Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University Paris, France.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|November 20, 2014
Summary
Connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, previously overlooked in physiology, are now shown to play roles in normal brain function and neuronal activity. Further research is needed to fully understand their physiological relevance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Channel Physiology
Background:
- Connexin hemichannels form gap junction channels for intercellular communication in astrocytes.
- Emerging evidence suggests connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels function independently.
- These channels release transmitters like ATP and glutamate, with focus often on pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the underappreciated physiological roles of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels in the central nervous system (CNS).
- To investigate their contribution to normal neuronal activity and behavior.
- To identify future research directions for understanding connexon and pannexon physiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies in the CNS.
- Analysis of emerging evidence on channel function.
- Discussion of physiological implications.
Main Results:
- Recent studies suggest connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels have physiological functions in the CNS.
- These channels contribute to normal neuronal activity and behavior.
- Evidence points to roles beyond pathological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels are involved in normal brain processes, not just disease.
- Pioneer studies open new avenues for exploring their physiological relevance.
- Further research is crucial to address fundamental questions about their function.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Gap Junctions
10.9K
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...
10.9K
01:37Gap Junctions
58.8K
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...
58.8K
01:28Electrical Synapses
12.2K
Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
12.2K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
4.3K
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential....
4.3K
01:25Overview of Synapses
11.8K
A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
11.8K
02:47The Synapse
139.2K
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
139.2K