Gap junctions are collections of intercellular membrane channels that allow adjacent cells to
share small molecules (< 1 kDa). Gap junction channels are composed of connexins, a …

The ovarian follicle in mammals is a functional syncytium, with the oocyte being coupled with
the surrounding cumulus granulosa cells, and the cumulus cells being coupled with each …

In the developing ovarian follicle, the oocyte is separated from the local blood supply by an
increasing number of granulosa cell layers, the cells of the theca externa being the only …

Studies of mice with targeted disruptions of specific connexin genes have revealed that at
least two connexins, connexin37 (Cx37) and connexin43 (Cx43), play essential roles in …

The gap junction proteins connexin37 and connexin43 are required for ovarian
folliculogenesis in the mouse. To define their respective roles in oogenesis, chimeric ovaries …

Gap junctional coupling among cumulus cells is important for oogenesis since its deficiency
in mice leads to impaired folliculogenesis. Multiple connexins (Cx), the subunits of gap …

Mammalian female fertility is critically dependent on timely coordinated intercellular
communication between follicle cells. Gap junctions are small, membrane-bound, aqueous …

In ovarian follicles, cumulus cells play an important role in oocyte growth and differentiation
by providing the germinal cell with nutrients and by controlling both nuclear and cytoplasmic …

Within the ovarian follicle, communication between granulosa cells and the oocyte via gap
junction channels may be crucial for the determination of whether a given follicle continues …

The mammalian gap junction is a cellular structure between adjacent cells, wherein the
apposed cellular membranes are separated by an apparent gap of approximately 3 nm (Fig …