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Related Concept Videos

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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Gap Junctions01:37

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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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Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

Contact-dependent Signaling

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Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
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Protein Networks02:26

Protein Networks

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An organism can have thousands of different proteins, and these proteins must cooperate to ensure the health of an organism. Proteins bind to other proteins and form complexes to carry out their functions. Many proteins interact with multiple other proteins creating a complex network of protein interactions.
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Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

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Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
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Introduction to Connective Tissues01:11

Introduction to Connective Tissues

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Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
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Connexins and Disease.

Mario Delmar1, Dale W Laird2, Christian C Naus3

  • 1The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|August 6, 2017
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Summary

Connexin protein alterations cause various diseases, impacting the heart, nervous system, and skin. Understanding both standard and novel connexin functions is key to treating these debilitating conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Alterations in connexin proteins are linked to numerous diseases.
  • Connexins form gap junctions, crucial for cell-to-cell communication.
  • Dysfunctional connexins contribute to various pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of connexins in diverse diseases.
  • To highlight both canonical and noncanonical connexin functions in disease.
  • To emphasize the potential for advancing disease understanding and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current knowledge on connexin-related disorders.
  • Analysis of connexin involvement in cardiovascular, neurological, auditory, and skin diseases.
  • Examination of connexin roles in cancer and pleiotropic syndromes like oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD).

Main Results:

  • Connexin dysfunction is implicated in a wide range of debilitating and life-threatening diseases.
  • Connexin roles extend beyond gap junction channel formation, encompassing noncanonical functions.
  • Specific examples include connexin involvement in heart, nervous system, cochlea, skin diseases, cancer, and ODDD.

Conclusions:

  • Connexin proteins are critical in the pathophysiology of numerous disorders.
  • Both established and novel connexin functions are vital for understanding disease mechanisms.
  • Further research into connexin biology promises improved diagnostics and therapeutics for connexin-related diseases.