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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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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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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

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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.
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Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

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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.
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Tight Junctions01:29

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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

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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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Joint diseases: from connexins to gap junctions.

Henry J Donahue1, Roy W Qu2, Damian C Genetos2

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Connexons, made of connexins, form hemichannels and gap junctions. These structures are crucial for cell communication and have potential therapeutic roles in joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Connexons are protein complexes forming hemichannels and gap junctions.
  • Composed of six connexin proteins, they facilitate cell-cell communication.
  • Connexins are present in joint tissues like bone, cartilage, muscle, and synovium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of connexons and connexins in joint tissue function.
  • To investigate the channel-dependent and independent functions of connexins.
  • To highlight the potential therapeutic implications of connexins in joint diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on connexons and joint tissues.
  • Analysis of connexin expression and function in bone, cartilage, muscle, and synovium.
  • Examination of the link between connexins and joint pathologies.

Main Results:

  • Connexons act as hemichannels, releasing factors like ATP, or form gap junctions for intercellular communication.
  • Connexins exhibit channel-independent roles, including scaffolding and signaling.
  • Evidence supports connexon involvement in bone and muscle function, with less known about other joint tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Connexins play diverse roles in joint tissues, both through channel formation and independently.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand connexon function in joint tissues.
  • Connexins represent a promising therapeutic target for joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.