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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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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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The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

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Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
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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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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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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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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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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products
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Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products

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Gap Junctions and Ageing.

Michael J Zeitz1,2, James W Smyth3,4,5,6

  • 1Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|January 4, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Gap junctions are vital for cell communication and homeostasis. Dysfunctional gap junctions and connexins contribute to numerous age-related diseases by disrupting intercellular communication.

Keywords:
AgeingConnexinGap junctionHomeostasisIntercellular communication

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Gap junctions, formed by connexin proteins, facilitate direct intercellular communication by coupling adjacent cell cytoplasms.
  • These structures are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and synchronized cellular activity across various tissues.
  • Altered gap junction function is implicated in a wide range of age-related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of gap junctions and connexins in age-related pathologies.
  • To explore the complex remodeling of gap junctions during aging.
  • To acknowledge the non-junctional roles of connexins and hemichannel activity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on gap junctions, connexins, and aging.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying connexin remodeling.
  • Discussion of the pathological consequences of impaired intercellular communication.

Main Results:

  • Age-related pathologies frequently involve altered gap junction expression and function.
  • Pathological remodeling of gap junctions during aging involves multiple regulatory steps.
  • Connexins exhibit non-junctional functions and hemichannel activity, contributing to cellular processes.

Conclusions:

  • Gap junction dysfunction is a significant factor in numerous age-related diseases.
  • Understanding connexin biology, including non-junctional roles, is essential for comprehending disease mechanisms.
  • Targeting gap junction and connexin pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for aging-related conditions.