Gap Junction Channels of Innexins and Connexins: Relations and Computational Perspectives

Sánchez, Alejandro; Castro, Carlos; Flores, Dora–Luz; Gutiérrez-López, Everardo; Baldi, Pierre

doi:10.3390/ijms20102476

Cited by 24 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 131 publications

(170 reference statements)

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“…This specialized intercellular coupling can also be found in excitable tissue, such as cardiac myocytes, where processes including rapid synchronization and facilitation of action potential propagation occur [5]. It is commonly known that gap junction channels are the only intercellular communication pathways that exclude the extracellular space, and are produced by the joining of adjacent connexin (Cx) channels in chordates [2,[6][7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Connexin 43 Mutations Lead to Increased Hemichannel Functionality in Skin Disease

Cocozzelli

White

2019

IJMS

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Gap junctional channels are specialized components of the cellular membrane that allow the intercellular passage of small metabolites, ions, and second messengers to maintain homeostasis. They are comprised of members of the connexin gene family that encode a wide array of proteins that are expressed in nearly every tissue type. Cx43 is perceived to be the most broadly expressed connexin in humans, with several genetic skin diseases being linked to Cx43 mutations specifically. These mutations, in large, produce a gain of functional hemichannels that contribute to the phenotypes of Erythrokeratoderma Variabilis et Progressiva (EKVP), Palmoplantar Keratodemra Congenital Alopecia-1 (PPKCA1), and others that produce large conductance and increased permselectivity in otherwise quiescent structures. Gaining functional hemichannels can have adverse effects in the skin, inducing apoptosis via Ca2+ overload or increased ATP permeability. Here, we review the link between Cx43 and skin disease. We aim to provide insight into the mechanisms regulating the normal and pathophysiological gating of these essential proteins, as well as address current therapeutic strategies. We also demonstrate that transient transfection of neuro-2a (N2a) cells with mutant Cx43 cDNA resulted in increased hemichannel activity compared to wild-type Cx43 and untransfected cells, which is consistent with other studies in the current literature.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Connexin 43 Mutations Lead to Increased Hemichannel Functionality in Skin Disease

Cocozzelli

White

2019

IJMS

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“…Another group of transmembrane proteins responsible for intercellular communication are gap junction proteins also called connexins (Cxs). These proteins form gap junction connections (GJCs) [164][165][166]. GJCs were discovered 40 years ago [167,168], and in recent years, it has been found that they interact with other membrane channels to maintain homeostasis in specific tissues.…”

Section: Aquaporins and Related Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals

Kordowitzki

Kranc

Bryl

et al. 2020

Cells

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Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.

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“…There are several types of cytoplasmic bridges, including gap junctions [56,57], plasmodesmata [58], tunneling nanotubes [59], and others formed by incomplete cytokinesis [60].…”

Section: Bridges Between Contiguous Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cell Communications among Microorganisms, Plants, and Animals: Origin, Evolution and Interplays

Combarnous

Nguyen

2020

Preprint

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Cellular communications play pivotal roles in multi-cellular species, but they do so also in uni-cellular species. Moreover, cells communicate with each other not only within the same individual but also with cells in other individuals belonging to the same or other species. These communications occur between two unicellular species, two multicellular species, or between unicellular and multicellular species. The molecular mechanisms involved exhibit diversity and specificity, but they share common basic features which allow common pathways of communication between different, and sometimes very different species. These interactions have been made possible by the high degree of conservation of the basic molecular mechanisms of interaction of many ligand-receptor pairs in evolutionary remote species. These inter-species cellular communications played crucial roles during Evolution and must have been positively selected, particularly when collectively beneficial in hostile environments. We think that communications between cells did not arise after their emergence but was part of the very nature of first cells. Synchronization of populations of non-living protocells through chemical communications may have been a mandatory step towards their emergence as populations of living cells and explain the large commonality of cell communication mechanisms among microorganisms, plants, and animals.

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Gap Junction Channels of Innexins and Connexins: Relations and Computational Perspectives

Cited by 24 publications

References 131 publications

Connexin 43 Mutations Lead to Increased Hemichannel Functionality in Skin Disease

Connexin 43 Mutations Lead to Increased Hemichannel Functionality in Skin Disease

The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals

Cell Communications among Microorganisms, Plants, and Animals: Origin, Evolution and Interplays

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