Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis
and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in …

Gap junctions are essential to the function of multicellular animals, which require a high
degree of coordination between cells. In vertebrates, gap junctions comprise connexins and …

Connexins are ubiquitous channel forming proteins that assemble as plasma membrane
hemichannels and as intercellular gap junction channels that directly connect cells. In the …

Vertebrate gap junctions, composed of proteins from the connexin gene family, play critical
roles in embryonic development, co-ordinated contraction of excitable cells, tissue …

Gap junctions, composed of proteins from the connexin gene family, are highly dynamic
structures that are regulated by kinase-mediated signaling pathways and interactions with …

Astrocytes have a role in maintaining normal neuronal functions, some of which depend on
connexins, protein subunits of gap junction channels and hemichannels. Under …

Connexin channels are known to be permeable to a variety of cytoplasmic molecules. The
first observation of second messenger junctional permeability, made∼ 30 years ago …

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction (GJ) protein widely expressed in mammalian tissues
that mediates cell-to-cell coupling. Intercellular channels comprising GJ aggregates form …

The eye lens is constantly subjected to oxidative stress from radiation and other sources.
The lens has several mechanisms to protect its components from oxidative stress and to …

Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate
direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and …