Connexin43 is a member of the highly homologous connexin family of gap junction proteins. We have studied how connexin monomers are assembled into functional gap junction plaques by examining the biosynthesis of connexin43 in cell types that differ greatly in their ability to form functional gap junctions. Using a combination of metabolic radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation, we have shown tha...

In the mouse embryo, gap junctions first appear at the 8-cell stage as compaction is about to take place. Compaction of the embryo is important for the differentiation of the first two cell types; the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm. Our studies examine the contribution of gap junctional communication at this stage of development. We have characterised the normal sequence of appearance of...

abstract a cardiovascular problem is one of the common complications of diabetes. connexin is the predominant protein subunit in gap junction structure which is important in communication between cells. considering the role of connexin, this question can be created in the mind whether changes in phosphorylated connexin 43 occurs in diabetics thoracic aorta or not? 20 male wistar rats (30050g) ...

Gap junctions are cellular contact sites composed of clustered connexin transmembrane proteins that act in dual capacities as channels for direct intercellular exchange of small molecules and as structural adhesion complexes known as gap junction nexuses. Depending on the connexin isoform, the cluster of channels (the gap junction plaque) can be stably or fluidly arranged. Here we used confocal...

Objective: Our aim was to establish the existence of intercellular communication through gap junctions (ICGJ) in synovial tissues and to show that gap junction communications in synovial tissue plays a role in the pathogenesis of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods: Synovial tissues were obtained from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) at the time of...

Although loss of connexin expression and/or gap junction intercellular communication correlates with decreased growth control and increased neoplastic potential, there is limited evidence directly linking gap junction intercellular communication function with tumor suppression in situ. Here, we show for the first time that a gap junction protein, connexin32 (Cx32), acts as a lung tumor suppress...

Gap junction channels mediate direct cell-cell communication via the exchange of second messengers, ions, and metabolites from one cell to another. Mutations in several human connexin (cx) genes, the subunits of gap junction channels, disturb the development and function of multiple tissues/organs. In particular, appropriate function of Cx43 is required for skeletal development in all vertebrat...