Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy

Cell-to-cell communication is of extreme importance in tissue homeostasis, which is maintained by transmission of regulatory signals[1] (Figure 1). Intercellular communication via gap junctions (GJ) represents one of the most important routes of rapid signaling between cells. GJ channels span two plasma membranes and consist of two hemichannels (connexons), one belonging to each cell. Each hemichannel is formed by six connexin (Cx) subunits and is permeable to small molecules up to 1-1.5kD[1]. They serve to provide electrical and chemical conductance as well as metabolic assistance[2,3].
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research