Connexin Hemichannels
Connexin Hemichannels - Related Videos
09:20
Perturbing Endothelial Biomechanics via Connexin 43 Structural Disruption
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Cited by 6 •
2019
Here, we present a mechanics-based protocol to disrupt the gap junction connexin 43 and measure the subsequent impact this has on endothelial biomechanics via observation of tractions and intercellular stresses.
11:31
Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
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Cited by 5 •
2017
Intercellular junctions are requisites for mammary gland stage-specific functions and development. This manuscript provides a detailed protocol for the study of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and co-localization using murine mammary glands. These techniques allow for the investigation of the dynamics of the physical association between intercellular junctions at different developmental stages.
06:07
RNA Isolation from Mouse Ocular Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell Bulk Masses
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2025
This protocol details the separation of the mouse ocular lens epithelium and fiber cell bulk mass, followed by RNA isolation and qPCR analysis. This method allows for separating lens cell compartments for a more detailed analysis of the transcriptome and biological processes in epithelial cells vs. differentiated fiber cells.
06:15
Biotinylated Cell-Penetrating Peptide Probe to Detect Protein-Protein Interactions
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2025
This video demonstrates a technique that uses biotinylated cell-penetrating peptides to detect intracellular protein-protein interactions. The cell-penetrating peptides facilitate the conjugated peptide to enter a cell and specifically bind to its interacting proteins. The biotin, after binding to avidin, allows purification of the interacting proteins’ complex from a cell lysate.
08:22
Microfluidic Bioprinting for Engineering Vascularized Tissues and Organoids
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Cited by 37 •
2017
We provide a generalized protocol based on a microfluidic bioprinting strategy for engineering a microfibrous vascular bed, where a secondary cell type could be further seeded into the interstitial space of this microfibrous structure to generate vascularized tissues and organoids.
FAQs
These conditions influence whether a hemichannel remains closed or opens, thereby controlling exchange between the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Changes in membrane voltage and calcium concentration can alter channel behavior, while cellular stress may increase activity in situations involving injury or disrupted homeostasis. Studying these triggers helps connect environmental or physiological changes with downstream signaling and cell survival outcomes.
Opening creates a route for ATP, ions, and other small signaling molecules to move between the cell interior and extracellular environment. ATP release can influence communication beyond the originating cell, while ion movement may affect cellular balance. Consequently, hemichannel activity can link local membrane conditions to broader responses involving inflammation, tissue injury, and survival.
A hemichannel provides communication between a cell’s cytoplasm and the extracellular space, whereas two aligned hemichannels form an intercellular gap junction pathway. This distinction changes the direction and context of molecular exchange. Hemichannels are therefore especially relevant when researchers examine how a single cell responds to its surroundings, rather than only how neighboring cells communicate directly.
Altered activity can modify ATP release, ion balance, and the movement of small signaling molecules across the cell membrane. Those changes may affect how cells respond to inflammation, tissue injury, or stressful conditions and may influence whether cells maintain homeostasis or survive. The outcome depends on the signals and environmental conditions associated with channel opening.
Researchers can relate hemichannel activity to controlled changes in membrane voltage, calcium concentration, or cellular stress, then assess consequences for ATP release, ion balance, and extracellular signaling. This approach connects channel behavior with cellular outcomes rather than treating opening as an isolated event. Such observations support studies of communication, injury responses, and cell survival.
Their ability to regulate ions and signaling molecules makes them relevant to tissues where coordinated cellular responses are important. In nervous and cardiovascular systems, researchers can examine how hemichannel activity relates to extracellular communication, inflammation, tissue injury, and survival. These studies also help evaluate whether abnormal channel behavior contributes to disease mechanisms or represents a therapeutic target.