Gap junctions are collections of intercellular channels composed of structural proteins called connexins (Cx). We have examined the functional interactions of the three rodent connexins present in the lens, Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50, by expressing them in paired Xenopus oocytes. Homotypic channels containing Cx43, Cx46, or Cx50 all developed high conductance. heterotypic channels composed of Cx46 pa...

Gap junctional proteins, connexins, and gap junctional plaques are short-lived. Three pathways for their degradation have been proposed: (1) misfolded/abnormally oligomerized connexins are retrogradely translocated and degraded by the proteasome through endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation; (2) connexins (as monomers or oligomers) may traffic directly from an early secretory compartment...

Cell-to-cell interactions via gap junctional communication and connexon hemichannels are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Gap junctions are highly specialized transmembrane structures that are formed by connexon hemichannels, which are further assembled from proteins called "connexins." In this paper, we discuss current knowledge about connexins in diabetes. We also discuss mechanisms ...

Unlike many other ion channels, unrelated gene families encode gap junctions in different animal phyla. Connexin and pannexin genes are found in deuterostomes, while protostomal species use innexin genes. Connexins are often described as vertebrate genes, despite the existence of invertebrate deuterostomes. We have cloned connexin sequences from an invertebrate chordate, Halocynthia pyriformis....

Gap junctions play a role in intercellular communication the epithelium, muscle and nerve tissues, many more tissues organs. These linking regions proteins forming them are called connexins (Cx). Recent studies show that cellular homeostatic equilibrium can be influenced by connexins. In this study, expression of Cx43 Cx32 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous carcinomas (SCC) is tried studied. A...

Gap junction (GJ) channels mediate direct intercellular communication and are composed of two docked hemichannels (connexin oligomers). It is well documented that the docking and formation of GJs are possible only between compatible hemichannels (or connexins). The mechanisms of heterotypic docking compatibility are not fully clear. We aligned the protein sequences of docking-compatible and -in...

We reported previously (Falk, M. M., Kumar, N. M., and Gilula, N. B. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127, 343-355) that the membrane integration of polytopic connexin polypeptides can be accompanied by an inappropriate cleavage that generates amino-terminal truncated connexins. While this cleavage was not detected in vivo, translation in standard cell-free translation/translocation systems resulted in the...

Connexins and pannexins are key players in the control of cellular communication and thus in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Inherent to this function these proteins are frequently involved in pathological processes. The present paper reviews the role of connexins and pannexins in liver toxicity and disease. As they act both as sensors and effectors in these deleterious events connexins ...