In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for
the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue …

The present review provides the state of the art of the current knowledge concerning gap
junctional channels and their roles in liver functioning. In the first part, we summarize some …

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 …

Because of their critical role as goalkeepers of hepatic homeostasis, gap junctions are
frequent targets in liver disease. This concept has been demonstrated on many occasions in …

This chapter contains sections titled: Structure of Junctions in the Liver Molecular
Components and Genes of Gap and Tight Junctions Functions of Gap Junctions in the Liver …

Gap junctions are ubiquitous plasma membrane specializations that allow cells to exchange
small molecules and ions directly. The isolation, biochemical characterization and molecular …

Abstract Background & Aims Gap junctions are formed by connexins (Cx), a family of
proteins that couple endothelial and smooth muscle cells in systemic vessels. In this context …

The tight junction (TJ) is a critical cellular component for maintenance of tissue integrity,
cellular interactions and cell-cell communications, and physiologically functions as the …

The liver was among the first organs in which connexin proteins have been identified.
Hepatocytes harbor connexin32 and connexin26, while non-parenchymal liver cells typically …

Hepatocytes and other digestive epithelia exchange second messengers and coordinate
their functions by communicating through gap junctions. However, little is known about …