Name: connexins and cell-to-cell signaling
Uploaded: 2026-06-01T06:28:28.059Z
Duration: 1 min 37 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

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NC K-12 Science Standard Course of Study

9-12

Biology

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From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes

LS.Bio.1.3

Gap Junctions

Gap junctions are specialized membrane channels between neighboring animal cells. They support intercellular signaling by allowing the exchange of ions, second messengers, sugars, and other small molecules between cells.These channels are made of transmembrane proteins called connexins, or CX proteins.Six connexin molecules assemble into a hemichannel, also called a connexon. A connexon makes up one half of a complete gap junction channel.Connexons can be classified into two types: homomeric and heteromeric. When all six connexins are the same type, the structure is called a homomeric connexon.For instance, in the heart, CX40 can form homomeric connexons. However, CX40 can also combine with another heart connexin, CX43, to form a heteromeric connexon. This heteromeric connexon may have different functions, such as selectivity for specific molecules.Connexins are first made in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Many connexins then move to the Golgi apparatus, where they assemble into connexons. The cell then transports the connexons to the plasma membrane. There, they pair with connexons from neighboring cells.Together, the two hemichannels form a complete gap junction channel that directly connects the cytoplasm of both cells.Many of these channels cluster together to form structures called gap junction plaques.In many tissues, gap junction channels remain open under normal conditions, allowing continuous communication between cells.In the heart, this open state is essential. Gap junctions allow electrical signals to spread rapidly from one cell to the next. Because ions move directly between neighboring cells, large groups of cardiomyocytes contract together in a coordinated, rhythmic pattern.However, gap junctions are not permanently open. For example, when intracellular calcium levels rise, conformational changes in the connexin proteins cause the channel to close.

gap junctions

Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and skin disorders.Vertebrate gap junctions are composed of transmembrane proteins called connexins (CX), and six connexins form a hemichannel called a connexon. Humans have at least 21 different forms of connexins that are expressed in almost all cell types. A connexon hemichannel is said to be homomeric when all six connexins are the same, and heteromeric when composed of different types.Most cells express more than one type of connexin. These can form functional connexon hemichannels or a full gap junction channel by pairing up with a counterpart on an adjacent cell. The gap junctions are considered homotypic when each connexon is the same, and heterotypic when they differ. Clusters called gap junction plaques often form where the channels are continually recycled and degraded at the center of the plaques and replaced at the periphery.Gap junctions allow the passage of ions, second messengers, sugars, and other small molecules between cells. This exchange is selectively permeable and determined by the connexin composition of the channel. They possess the ability, under certain conditions, to switch between open and closed states, allowing cells to regulate the exchange of molecules between them. Factors such as pH and the presence of Ca2+ ions can regulate the communication between cells on a shorter time scale, while differential gene expression controls the type and abundance of connexins in the various cell types in developmental and adult tissues.

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Cellular Processes

Cell Structure and Function

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

connexins and cell-to-cell signaling

Gap junctions help animal cells send signals and share small materials with nearby cells. They are made of special proteins that form pores between neighboring cells and connect their cytoplasm. Through these channels, cells can exchange ions and other small molecules.

These communication channels are found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. They support important processes such as cell differentiation and development. They are also linked to human diseases, including disorders of the heart and skin.

In vertebrates, gap junctions are built from transmembrane proteins called connexins. Six connexins assemble into a hemichannel called a connexon. Humans have at least 21 forms of connexins, and they are expressed in almost all cell types.

A connexon is homomeric when all six connexins are the same. It is heteromeric when it contains different connexins. Most cells make more than one kind of connexin, so they can form a hemichannel or join with a matching partner on a neighboring cell to make a full gap junction channel.

When the two connexons are the same, the channel is homotypic. When they differ, it is heterotypic. Many gap junctions gather into plaques, where channels are recycled and degraded at the center and replaced at the edge. The channel composition helps determine which molecules can pass, including ions, second messengers, sugars, and other small molecules.

Gap junctions can also open and close under certain conditions, so cells can control what they share. Short-term regulation can depend on factors such as pH and Ca2+ ions. Over longer periods, differential gene expression controls the type and amount of connexins in developmental and adult tissues.

Connexins and Cell-to-Cell Signaling

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Cell Membrane, DNA, and Organelles

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Gap junctions help animal cells send signals and share small materials with nearby cells. They are made of special proteins that form pores between neighboring cells and connect their cytoplasm. Through these channels, cells can exchange ions and other small molecules. These communication channels are found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. They support important processes such as cell differentiation and development. They are also linked to human diseases, including disorders of...

tissues

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key terms and concepts

Learn how connexins build gap junctions that let animal cells share ions and small molecules, and how these channels support development and disease.

Connexins and Cell-to-Cell Signaling | JoVE K12

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Connexins and Cell-to-Cell Signaling

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