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Related Concept Videos

Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

57.9K
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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Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
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Molecular Models02:00

Molecular Models

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Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
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Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview01:21

Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview

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An electrochemical gradient is a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry. It regulates the movement of ions across cell membranes. This movement is influenced by two factors:
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell.  This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to...
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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Modeling Biological Membranes with Circuit Boards and Measuring Electrical Signals in Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises
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Accessing gap-junction channel structure-function relationships through molecular modeling and simulations.

F Villanelo1, Y Escalona1, C Pareja-Barrueto1

  • 1Computational Biology Lab. Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile.

BMC Cell Biology
|January 27, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Molecular modeling and simulations are crucial for understanding gap junction channels (GJCs). This review highlights how computational methods, combined with experimental data, reveal GJC structure-function relationships for various biological processes.

Keywords:
ConnexinsGap-junction channelsHemichannelsHomology modelingMolecular simulationStructure and function

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Gap junction channels (GJCs) facilitate intercellular communication by forming protein channels between adjacent cells.
  • These channels enable the passage of molecules up to ~1 kDa, crucial for cellular functions like electrical synapse, inflammation, development, and tissue homeostasis.
  • Understanding the structure-function relationships of GJCs is vital for deciphering their diverse biological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of molecular modeling and simulation techniques in studying GJCs.
  • To highlight the synergy between computational methods and experimental evidence in GJC research.
  • To provide a critical assessment of structure-function relationships derived from integrating theoretical and experimental data.

Main Methods:

  • Review of foundational structural studies and recent advancements in GJC research.
  • Application of molecular modeling and simulation techniques to analyze GJC architecture and function.
  • Cross-referencing computational findings with experimental data from literature and structural databases.

Main Results:

  • Molecular modeling and simulations have become indispensable tools for analyzing GJC structure-function relationships.
  • These computational approaches, when validated against experimental data, generate novel hypotheses and innovative research directions.
  • The integration of theoretical and experimental evidence provides a comprehensive understanding of GJC mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Computational methods, particularly molecular modeling and simulations, are essential for advancing GJC research.
  • The cross-talk between computational and experimental approaches is key to uncovering GJC structure-function insights.
  • This integrated approach facilitates a deeper understanding of GJCs' roles in health and disease.