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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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Immunogold Electron Microscopy01:20

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Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
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Golgi Matrix Proteins01:12

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Golgi matrix proteins are a group of highly dynamic proteins that maintain the stacked structure of Golgi. These proteins adapt to rapid morphological changes of the Golgi during the cell cycle. During cell division, mild proteolysis removes these connections resulting in Golgi unstacking. In The daughter cells, these proteins help reassemble the unstacked Golgi.
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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

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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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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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Detection of Ligand-activated G Protein-coupled Receptor Internalization by Confocal Microscopy
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Gap junction internalization and processing in vivo: a 3D immuno-electron microscopy study.

Rachael P Norris1, Mark Terasaki2

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030, USA norris@uchc.edu.

Journal of Cell Science
|December 5, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Connexosomes, formed from gap junctions, undergo internalization and processing within ovarian follicles. This study reveals their membrane dynamics and lysosomal degradation pathway, advancing understanding of cell communication. Keywords: connexosomes, gap junctions, cell communication, lysosomes.

Keywords:
Cathepsin BConnexin 43ConnexosomesGap junctionsImmunogoldTrogocytosis

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication via permeable channels.
  • The internalization process forming connexosomes (double membrane vesicles) is not fully understood.
  • Connexosomes contain cytosol and membranes from adjacent cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically investigate the fate and processing of connexosomes in intact ovarian follicles.
  • To elucidate the membrane dynamics and degradation pathways of connexosomes.
  • To demonstrate novel high-resolution analytical technology for gap junction processing.

Main Methods:

  • High-pressure freezing and serial sectioning of ovarian follicle tissue.
  • Immunogold labeling for connexin 43 (Cx43/GJA1).
  • Categorization and surface area measurement of labeled structures within a defined cellular volume.

Main Results:

  • Multiple connexosomes originate from larger invaginated gap junctions.
  • Connexosome membranes separate, with loss of Cx43 from the outer membrane and inner membrane fission.
  • Localization of cathepsin B suggests lysosomal involvement in connexosome processing.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides new insights into connexosome formation and processing pathways.
  • Lysosomes play a role in the degradation of processed connexosomes.
  • The developed methodology enables high-resolution analysis of gap junction dynamics.