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Related Concept Videos

Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

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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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Liver Regeneration01:24

Liver Regeneration

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The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
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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...
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Liver Physiology01:30

Liver Physiology

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The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of  70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
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Liver Histology01:27

Liver Histology

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The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

An Iodide-Yellow Fluorescent Protein-Gap Junction-Intercellular Communication Assay
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Structure, Regulation and Function of Gap Junctions in Liver.

Joost Willebrords1, Sara Crespo Yanguas1, Michaël Maes1

  • 1Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.

Cell Communication & Adhesion
|March 23, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Gap junctions facilitate direct cell communication in the liver, crucial for hepatocyte life cycle stages. This review explores liver gap junction structure, regulation, and function.

Keywords:
connexingap junctionliver

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Hepatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gap junctions are essential for direct intercellular communication, formed by connexin proteins.
  • In the liver, gap junctions are primarily located in hepatocytes.
  • These junctions are vital for various hepatic processes, including growth, differentiation, function, and cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established and novel aspects of liver gap junctions.
  • To discuss the architecture, regulation, and functional significance of hepatocyte gap junctions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and novel research on liver gap junctions.
  • Analysis of mechanisms controlling gap junction expression and activity.

Main Results:

  • Liver gap junctions are architecturally complex and dynamically regulated.
  • Regulation occurs through diverse mechanisms, including epigenetic control and post-translational modifications.
  • These junctions are integral to maintaining liver homeostasis and function throughout its life cycle.

Conclusions:

  • Liver gap junctions are critical for hepatocyte function and survival.
  • Understanding their intricate regulation provides insights into liver biology and disease.
  • Further research into gap junction dynamics can reveal therapeutic targets for hepatic conditions.