Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junzhao Yuan, Xiaoqian Huang, Yumeng Zhao, Jianhong Gu, Yan Yuan, Zongping Liu, Hui Zou, Jianchun Bian
Summary: Gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a critical role in gap junction communication in rat hepatocytes. Research has found that annular gap junctions (AGJs) participate in alleviating cadmium (Cd) cytotoxic injury through the endosome-lysosome pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas, Jose Antonio Sanchez, Laura Valls-Lacalle, Marta Consegal, Ignacio Ferreira-Gonzalez
Summary: Connexins are transmembrane proteins that are crucial for cardiac physiology, facilitating electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes. Beyond cell-to-cell communication, connexins also play roles in cell death and survival, with additional functions such as opening of hemichannels and involvement in cardioprotection and cell growth. In-depth exploration of connexin biology sheds light on their implications in various aspects of cardiac pathophysiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer C. Jones, Thomas M. Bodenstine
Summary: Connexins are important membrane channel proteins that regulate both intercellular communication and cellular metabolism in cancer cells. They have diverse roles in cancer biology, being able to promote or suppress cancer cell function. The relationship between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells is complex and requires further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andres Tittarelli
Summary: Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms play important roles in immune system activities, especially in infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions. Modulating connexin expression and channel activities may be a promising approach for designing therapeutic tools.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xinyu Wang, Chuan Jiang, Chunli Lu, Longbing Ma, Yuxin Feng, Shengyu Cui, Qian Li, Kang Li, Xiang Wang, Fengzeng Jian
Summary: In this study, changes in the number and morphology of ependymal cilia in a syringomyelia rat model were investigated. The results showed a decline in cilia during the early stage of the disease, leading to disrupted intercellular communication. In the later stage, cilia were further reduced due to shear stress exposure, causing a potential mechanism of ependymal cilia decline in syringomyelia development.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuefang Zhou, Thomas M. Bennett, Thomas W. White, Alan Shiels
Summary: CHMP4B is a core sub-unit of the ESCRT-III machinery involved in remodeling and scission processes of biological membranes. It has been found to associate with connexin 46 (Cx46) and connexin 50 (Cx50), and its membrane localization is dependent on Cx50 in lens fiber cells.
Review
Cell Biology
Andrew M. Boal, Michael L. Risner, Melissa L. Cooper, Lauren K. Wareham, David J. Calkins
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in responding to neurodegenerative stress and are interconnected through gap junctions, primarily composed of connexin-43 (Cx43), forming a broader network. This network contributes to various important processes and is likely to influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting these networks may be critical in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
Article
Cell Biology
Weiqi Zeng, Zhizhao Deng, Yingxin Gao, Guoliang Sun, Xianlong Li, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: Long-term exposure to Ang II significantly enhances the expression and function of Cx43-GJs in HUASMCs, leading to the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of downstream signaling pathways. However, propofol inhibits the function of Cx43-GJs in Ang II-pretreated HUASMCs, resulting in the inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ and its downstream signaling pathways and ultimately excessive relaxation of HUASMCs. This explains why patients with chronic hypertension experience more severe blood pressure fluctuations after propofol induction.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santipongse Chatchavalvanich, Robert A. Boomsma, Jack M. Tietema, David L. Geenen
Summary: Early coupling between bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and ischemic cardiomyocytes through gap junctions (GJ) may play a crucial role in cell survival and retention in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Avigail Ehrlich, Filippo Molica, Aurelie Hautefort, Brenda R. Kwak
Summary: This review provides an overview of the expression and function of connexins and pannexins in the lymphatic vasculature, focusing on their roles in healthy lymphatic system functions and pathological conditions. The discussion highlights their impact on intercellular communication, immune cell trafficking, and nutrient absorption, as well as their implications in lymphatic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rasheed A. Bailey, Derek L. Beahm, I. Martha Skerrett
Summary: Glycine is an amino acid with unique properties due to its single hydrogen atom side chain. Conserved glycines in proteins often indicate domains involving tight turns or bends. Substitutions at position 12 of certain connexins lead to alterations in function and have been linked to hereditary skin disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia E. Crouthamel, Leping Li, Michael T. Dilluvio, Thomas W. White
Summary: Mutations in the GJA1 gene encoding connexin43 (Cx43) have been linked to various rare genetic disorders, including those affecting the skin. This study investigated the functional consequences of a specific Cx43 mutation (Cx43-G38E) associated with a novel human phenotype. The research showed that the mutation increased the activity of hemichannels, suggesting a potential role in skin and skeletal disorders caused by Cx43 mutations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max Zachrisson Totland, Yasufumi Omori, Vigdis Sorensen, Kushtrim Kryeziu, Trond Aasen, Andreas Brech, Edward Leithe
Summary: Gap junctions are clusters of channels in the plasma membrane that enable the diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells, playing a fundamental role in coordinating tissue functions. The loss of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions, often observed in cancer pathogenesis, can impact tumor growth and response to treatment. Connexins, integral membrane proteins, not only facilitate cell-cell communication but also modulate signal transduction pathways, cell processes, and the dynamic regulation of gap junction levels. Dysregulation of connexin trafficking in the endocytic system contributes to the loss of gap junctions during carcinogenesis, with potential therapeutic implications in cancer treatment.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Gonzalez-Casanova, Oliver Schmachtenberg, Agustin D. Martinez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Paloma A. Harcha, Diana Rojas-Gomez
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of vision loss in the working age population, characterized by progressive deterioration of retinal microvasculature due to long-term metabolic changes. Gap junction channels and connexin hemichannels have been identified as key factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Understanding the physiological impact of diabetes on these channels and their role in the disease process could lead to the development of novel pharmacological interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Anuttoma Ray, Parmender P. Mehta
Summary: Cx32 was found to be palmitoylated at cysteine 217 (C217) in cell line derived from prostate tumors, but mutating C217 to alanine had no effect on its function. Mutation of cysteine 280 and 283, only in combination, blocked the trafficking of Cx32 from the trans-Golgi network to the cell surface, leading to reduced stability.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2021)