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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
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In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
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Connexins in migration during development and cancer
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Developmental Biology
|January 3, 2015
Summary
Connexins, gap junction proteins, regulate cell communication, adhesion, and signaling. This review focuses on their crucial roles in cell migration during development and in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Connexins form gap junctions, enabling direct cell-to-cell communication.
- Connexins also function through hemi-channels, influencing paracrine and autocrine signaling.
- These proteins are involved in various cellular processes, including adhesion and interaction with signaling molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common themes in the involvement of connexins in developmental and pathological processes.
- To focus on the role of connexins in cell migration across different systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on connexins.
- Analysis of connexin involvement in cell migration in neurons, astrocytes, neural crest cells, and cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Connexins play multifaceted roles in cell communication and adhesion.
- Connexin functions are critical for cell migration in diverse biological contexts.
- Common themes link connexin roles in development and disease, particularly cancer.
Conclusions:
- Connexins are key regulators of cell migration with implications in both normal development and cancer.
- Understanding connexin functions in cell migration can provide insights into developmental processes and cancer progression.
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