Connexin expression and gap junction communication compartments in the developing mouse limb

Expression and function of the neuronal gap junction protein connexin 36 in developing mammalian retina.

With the advent of transgenic mice, much has been learned about the expression and function of gap junctions. Previously, we reported that retinal ganglion cells in mice lacking the neuronal gap junction protein connexin 36 (Cx36) have nearly normal firing patterns at postnatal day 4 (P4) but many more asynchronous action potentials than wild-type mice at P10 (Torborg et al. [2005] Nat. Neurosc...

Polyamines regulate gap junction communication in connexin 43-expressing cells.

The control of cell-cell communication through gap junctions is thought to be crucial in normal tissue function and during various stages of tumorigenesis. However, few natural regulators of gap junctions have been found. We show here that increasing the activity of ornithine decarboxylase, or adding polyamines to the outside of cells, increases the level of gap junction communication between v...

Gap Junction Intercellular Communication and Connexin Expression Profile in Normal Liver Cells and Hepatocarcinoma

High glucose alters connexin 43 expression and gap junction intercellular communication activity in retinal pericytes.

PURPOSE To investigate the role of the gap junction protein, connexin-43 (Cx43) in the maintenance of retinal vascular homeostasis in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS In human retinal pericytes (HRPs) and bovine retinal pericytes (BRPs) grown for 7 days in normal (5 mM) or high (30 mM)-glucose medium, the Cx43 protein level was determined by Western blot analysis. Parallel experiments were perfo...

Decreased oocyte-granulosa cell gap junction communication and connexin expression in a type 1 diabetic mouse model.

In women, type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of poor prenatal outcomes such as congenital anomalies and early miscarriage. In murine models of type 1 diabetes, impaired oocyte meiotic maturation, abnormal oocyte metabolism, and increased granulosa cell apoptosis have been noted. because gap junction communication is critical for the regulation of oocyte growth and meiotic matu...