Connexins (Cxs) form hemichannels and gap junction channels. Each gap junction channel is composed of two hemichannels, also termed connexons, one from each of the coupled cells. Hemichannels are hexamers assembled in the ER, the Golgi, or a post Golgi compartment.

Connexins, a family of transmembrane proteins, are components of both gap junction channels and hemichannels, which mediate the exchange of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells, and between the inside and outside of the cell, respectively.

Gap junctions are key mediators of intercellular communication, formed from the coupling of two hemichannels (or connexons) on adjacent cells. Each hemichannel results from the oligomerisation of six connexin (Cx) monomers in the cell membrane.

In addition to being the major components of gap junction channels, connexins have recently been shown to exist and function in the form of un-apposed halves of gap junction channels called hemichannels.

Apr 23, 2012 · Gap junctions are key mediators of intercellular communication, formed from the coupling of 2 hemichannels (or connexons) on adjacent cells. Each hemichannel results from the oligomerization of 6 connexin monomers in the cell membrane.

Apr 7, 2021 · On this basis, we have established a gap junctional channel model, which describes the docking of hemichannels, and simulates the homotypic and heterotypic gap junctions formed by connexins, innexins, and pannexins.

Sep 1, 2014 · We recently found that neurotoxic activated microglia secrete glutamate through gap-junction hemichannels. Recent evidence also suggests that neuronal and glial communication by gap junctions amplifies neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

3 days ago · A gap junction channel is thus a dodecameric complex formed from two hexamers docking together via specific interactions between extracellular residues (Maeda et al., 2009). The N-terminal cytoplasmic helix from each subunit, which points into the pore, is thought to regulate the opening and closing of both hemichannels and gap junctions.

Jun 10, 2005 · One important gap junction-independent function for connexins is to serve as the major functional component for hemichannels, the un-apposed halves of gap junctions. Hemichannels, as independent functional units, play roles that are different from that of gap junctions in the cell.

Apr 17, 2014 · Connexins, a family of transmembrane proteins, are components of both gap junction channels and hemichannels, which mediate the exchange of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells, and between the inside and outside of the cell, respectively.