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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 Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Generation of Action Potential in Skeletal Muscles01:24

Generation of Action Potential in Skeletal Muscles

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Every cell in the body maintains a membrane potential due to an uneven distribution of positive and negative charges across its plasma membrane. The membrane potential is measured in millivolts and quantifies the difference in charge across the membrane.
Like neurons, muscle cells are also regarded as excitable due to their capacity to change in response to stimuli, primarily due to voltage-gated ion channels embedded in their plasma membranes, which get activated by alterations in the...
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Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade01:29

Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade

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The site of chemical communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The end of the motor neuron at the NMJ divides into a cluster of synaptic end bulbs. The cytoplasm of these bulbs consists of synaptic vesicles enclosing acetylcholine molecules, the principal neurotransmitter released at the NMJ. The region opposite the synaptic bulb that ends in the muscle fiber is called the motor end plate, which has acetylcholine receptors. Within the...
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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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Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes
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Gap junction mediated bioelectric coordination is required for slow muscle development, organization, and function.

R M Lukowicz-Bedford, J S Eisen, A C Miller

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |January 8, 2024
    PubMed
    Summary

    Bioelectrical signaling via connexin 46.8 (Cx46.8) is crucial for zebrafish slow muscle development. This gap junction protein synchronizes neural activity, ensuring proper muscle function and behavior.

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    Area of Science:

    • Developmental biology
    • Neuroscience
    • Cell biology

    Background:

    • Bioelectrical signaling, mediated by membrane potential and electrochemical coupling, regulates animal development.
    • Gap junction (GJ) channels, formed by Connexins, facilitate intercellular communication for bioelectric signaling.

    Approach:

    • Utilized embryonic zebrafish neuromuscular system as a model.
    • Combined mutant analysis, in vivo imaging, genetics, pharmacology, and calcium imaging.
    • Identified the connexin gene gjd4, encoding Cx46.8, as critical for bioelectric signaling.

    Key Points:

    • gjd4/Cx46.8 forms GJ channels in developing slow muscle cells.
    • Neural activity from the spinal cord transmits to slow muscle cells via gjd4/Cx46.8.
    • Bioelectrical signal propagation is essential for myofiber organization and normal behavior.

    Conclusions:

    • Revealed the molecular basis of GJ communication in developing muscle cells.
    • Demonstrated that gjd4/Cx46.8 mediates bioelectric signaling for slow muscle development and function.
    • Highlighted the role of GJ communication in coordinating inter-organ system bioelectric signaling during development and its implications for developmental myopathies.