Molecular Organization of Gap Junction Membrane Channels

Overview

Journal J Bioenerg Biomembr

Publisher Springer

Specialties Biochemistry
Biology
Endocrinology

Date 1996 Aug 1

PMID 8844327

Citations 11

Authors

G E Sosinsky

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Gap junctions regulate a variety of cell functions by creating a conduit between two apposing tissue cells. Gap junctions are unique among membrane channels. Not only do the constituent membrane channels span two cell membranes, but the intercellular channels pack into discrete cell-cell contact areas forming in vivo closely packed arrays. Gap junction membrane channels can be isolated either as two-dimensional crystals, individual intercellular channels, or individual hemichannels. The family of gap junction proteins, the connexins, create a family of gap junctions channels and structures. Each channel has distinct physiological properties but a similar overall structure. This review focuses on three aspects of gap junction structure: (1) the molecular structure of the gap junction membrane channel and hemichannel, (2) the packing of the intercellular channels into arrays, and (3) the ways that different connexins can combine into gap junction channel structures with distinct physiological properties. The physiological implications of the different structural forms are discussed.

Citing Articles

Ultrastructure of gap junction and Cx43 expression in gastric cancer tissues of the patients.

Li C, Hao M, Sun Y, Wang Z, Li J Arch Med Sci. 2020; 16(2):352-358.

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Role of Connexin-Based Gap Junction Channels in Communication of Myelin Sheath in Schwann Cells.

Cisterna B, Arroyo P, Puebla C Front Cell Neurosci. 2019; 13:69.

PMID: 30881289 PMC: 6405416. DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00069.

Mechanosensitive unpaired innexin channels in C. elegans touch neurons.

Sangaletti R, Dahl G, Bianchi L Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2014; 307(10):C966-77.

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Functional characterization of a naturally occurring Cx50 truncation.

Derosa A, Mui R, Srinivas M, White T Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006; 47(10):4474-81.

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Concerted vs. sequential. Two activation patterns of vast arrays of intracellular Ca2+ channels in muscle.

Zhou J, Brum G, Gonzalez A, Launikonis B, Stern M, Rios E J Gen Physiol. 2005; 126(4):301-9.

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