Dermietzel, Rolf and Hwang, T. K. and Spray, D. S. (1990) The gap junction family: structure, function and chemistry. ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGY, 182 (6). pp. 517-528. ISSN 0340-2061
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Gap junctions are aggregates of transmembranous channels which bypass the extracellular space by transporting messenger molecules and ions from one cytoplasmic source to an adjacent cytoplasmic interior. The channels join the plasma membranes of adjacent cells by bridging the extracellular space between them. Thereby, cellular "compartments" which were once considered to be individual units are, in actuality, interconnected by a system of pathways which form a functional cellular syncytium. The evolutionary importance of a generalized intercellular communication system can be appreciated when one considers the widespred prevalence of gap junctions within animals of all multicellular phyla, and within almost all tissues of vertebrates. Only a few population of cells such as skeletal muscle cells (which are fused to form functional syncytia) and circulating blood cells are not equipped with gap junctions. This paper provides a brief review of the diverse structural, molecular and functional aspects of gap junctions as revealed by current research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | GAP JUNCTION; STRUCTURE; FUNCTION; MOLECULAR BIOLOGY; CHEMISTRY |
| Subjects: | 500 Science > 570 Life sciences 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine |
| Divisions: | Biology, Preclinical Medicine > Institut für Anatomie |
| Depositing User: | Petra Gürster |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jun 2024 10:28 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jun 2024 10:28 |
| URI: | https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/55554 |
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