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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...

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 2026

RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses

RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses

Published on: October 10, 2025

Focus on lens connexins.

Viviana M Berthoud¹, Anaclet Ngezahayo²

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. vberthou@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu.

BMC Cell Biology

|January 27, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Connexins (Cx46 and Cx50) are vital for maintaining lens transparency and preventing cataracts. Mutations in these connexins disrupt normal function, leading to various forms of cataracts.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

The eye's lens is an avascular organ comprising an anterior epithelial layer and fiber cells.
Lens cells express connexin43 (Cx43), connexin46 (Cx46), and connexin50 (Cx50).
Epithelial Cx50 plays a key role in cell proliferation and differentiation, potentially through growth factor signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of connexins in lens transparency and cataract formation.
To understand how connexin mutations impact lens function and lead to cataracts.

Main Methods:

The abstract does not specify methods.

Main Results:

Both Cx46 and Cx50 are essential for lens transparency; mutations are linked to congenital and age-related cataracts.
Connexin mutations can impair protein trafficking, stability, and function, with differing effects on gap junction channels and hemichannels.
Dominant cataracts may arise from mutant connexins affecting wild-type counterparts or cellular interactions.

Conclusions:

Connexins Cx46 and Cx50 are critical for maintaining lens clarity.
Connexin gene mutations are a significant cause of various cataract types.
Understanding connexin function and mutation effects is key to addressing cataract development.