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Related Concept Videos

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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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

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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Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

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Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

4.7K
Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

An In Vitro Dormancy Model of Estrogen-sensitive Breast Cancer in the Bone Marrow: A Tool for Molecular Mechanism Studies and Hypothesis Generation
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An In Vitro Dormancy Model of Estrogen-sensitive Breast Cancer in the Bone Marrow: A Tool for Molecular Mechanism Studies and Hypothesis Generation

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Gap Junctions and Breast Cancer Dormancy.

Garima Sinha1, Alejandra I Ferrer1, Caitlyn A Moore1

  • 1Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.

Trends in Cancer
|March 27, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Breast cancer relapse is linked to connexin-mediated gap junctions (GJs) in treatment-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) differences in CSCs and their microenvironment is key to addressing BC recurrence.

Keywords:
bone marrowbreast cancerconnexindormancygap junctionmetastasis

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Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
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An In Vitro Dormancy Model of Estrogen-sensitive Breast Cancer in the Bone Marrow: A Tool for Molecular Mechanism Studies and Hypothesis Generation
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Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Breast cancer (BC) relapse remains a significant clinical challenge despite advancements.
  • Intercellular communication via connexin (Cx)-mediated gap junctions (GJs) is implicated in the survival of treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), contributing to relapse.
  • GJs exhibit dual roles in cancer, potentially promoting tumor suppression (dormancy) or progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of connexin-mediated gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in breast cancer relapse.
  • To explore the differential expression of GJIC between breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche cells.
  • To highlight the organ-specific nature of Cx involvement in metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of basic and clinical evidence.
  • Analysis of studies investigating connexin expression and function in breast cancer.
  • Examination of intercellular communication mechanisms in CSCs and their microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Connexin-mediated GJIC plays a critical role in the long-term survival of treatment-resistant CSCs, facilitating BC relapse.
  • The type of connexin involved in GJIC can vary depending on the metastatic organ.
  • Differential expression of GJIC exists between CSCs and niche cells within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting Cx-mediated GJIC pathways presents a potential strategy to overcome treatment resistance and prevent breast cancer recurrence.
  • Further research into the specific roles and regulation of different connexins in CSCs and their niche is warranted.
  • Understanding the heterogeneity of GJIC is crucial for developing effective therapies against metastatic breast cancer.