Properties of Connexon Channel Pairs
- Allows for direct electrical communication between cells, although different connexin subunits can impart different single channel conductances, from about 30 pS to 500 pS.
- Allows for chemical communication between cells, through the transmission of small second messengers, such as inositol triphosphate (IP3) and calcium (Ca2+), although different connexin subunits can impart different selectivity for particular small molecules.
- Generally allows molecules smaller than 1,111 Daltons to pass through, although different connexin subunits can impart different pore sizes and different charge selectivity. Large biomolecules, for example, nucleic acid and protein, are precluded from cytoplasmic transfer between cells through gap junction connexin channels.
- Ensures that molecules and current passing through the gap junction do not leak into the intercellular space.
To date, five different functions have been ascribed to gap junction protein: a) electrical and metabolic coupling between cells b) Electrical and metabolic exchange through hemichannels c) Tumor suppressor genes (Cx43, Cx32 and Cx36) d) Adhesive function independent of conductive gap junction channel (neural migration in neocortex) e) Role of carboxyl-terminal in signaling cytoplasmic pathways (Cx43)
Read more about this topic: Gap Junction
Famous quotes containing the words properties of, properties and/or channel:
“A drop of water has the properties of the sea, but cannot exhibit a storm. There is beauty of a concert, as well as of a flute; strength of a host, as well as of a hero.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)
“For, rightly, every man is a channel through which heaven floweth, and, whilst I fancied I was criticising him, I was censuring or rather terminating my own soul.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)