Structure, Regulation and Function of Gap Junctions in Liver

Author(s):Show less -

Willebrords, Joost ; Yanguasa, Sara Crespo ; Maes, Michael ; Decrock, Elke ; Wang, Nan ; Leybaert, Luc ; da Silva, Tereza Cristina ; Alves Pereira, Isabel Veloso ; Jaeschke, Hartmut ; Cogliati, Bruno ; Vinken, Mathieu

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CELL COMMUNICATION AND ADHESION; v. 22, n. 2-6, p. 29-37, 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Gap junctions are a specialized group of cell-to-cell junctions that mediate direct intercellular communication between cells. They arise from the interaction of two hemichannels of adjacent cells, which in turn are composed of six connexin proteins. In liver, gap junctions are predominantly found in hepatocytes and play critical roles in virtually all phases of the hepatic life cycle, including cell growth, differentiation, liver-specific functionality and cell death. Liver gap junctions are directed through a broad variety of mechanisms ranging from epigenetic control of connexin expression to post-translational regulation of gap junction activity. This paper reviews established and novel aspects regarding the architecture, control and functional relevance of liver gap junctions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/50420-6 - Connexin and pannexin channels as drug targets and biomarkers in acute and chronic liver disease
• Grantee: Mathieu Frederick Alexander Vinken
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - SPEC Program