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Journal Article
Beyond the gap: functions of unpaired connexon channels
2003
Overview
Key Points
Gap junctions are aggregates of intercellular channels that join adjacent cells. Intercellular channels are composed of a pair of connexons, each of which is a hexamer of connexin proteins. As precursors to the intercellular channels, connexons can be found in the plasma membranes of cells. In some cellular systems, however, connexons might function independently of gap junctions.
Although there are data implicating gap-junctional intercellular channels in the cell–cell transmission of Ca
2+
waves, it is also clear that these waves can spread by paracrine signalling owing to the extracellular release of ATP that binds to purinergic receptors. Evidence is accumulating that the connexon might provide a regulated channel that is responsible for the ATP release.
The bisphosphonate alendronate has been shown to have an anti-apoptotic effect on bone cells. Recent data indicate that connexons might be the receptor for alendronate, transducing a survival signal through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway.
A long-standing puzzle has been the interaction of retinal horizontal cells with cones as part of centre-surround antagonism. The interaction between these cells might involve connexons. The voltage-induced opening of connexons in the horizontal-cell membrane might function to create a negative extracellular potential in the invaginating synapses of the cone pedicles, opening Ca
2+
channels and stimulating glutamate release.
Gap junctions consist of intercellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells directly and allow the exchange of small molecules. These channels are unique in that they span two plasma membranes — the more orthodox ion or ligand-gated channels span only one. Each cell contributes half of the intercellular channel, and each half is known as a connexon or hemichannel. Recent studies indicate that connexons are also active in single plasma membranes and that they might be essential in intercellular signalling beyond their incorporation into gap junctions.
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group
Subject
/ Biomedical and Life Sciences
/ Calcium Signaling - physiology
/ Cells
/ Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease - genetics
/ Gap Junctions - ultrastructure
/ Humans
/ Intercellular Junctions - physiology
/ Intercellular Junctions - ultrastructure
/ Membrane Proteins - physiology
/ Membrane Proteins - ultrastructure
/ Mutation
/ Ovaries
/ Plasma
/ Proteins
