In this review we focus on the role of connexins, especially of Cx43, as modulators of migration - a fundamental process in embryogenesis and in physiologic functions of the adult organism. This impact of connexins is partly mediated by their function as intercellular channels but an increasing number of studies support the view that at least part of the effects are truly independent of the channel function. The channel-independent function comprises extrinsic guidance of migrating cells due to connexin mediated cell adhesion as well as intracellular processes. Cx43 has been shown to exert effects on migration by interfering with receptor signalling, cytoskeletal remodelling and tubulin dynamics. These effects are mainly dependent on the presence of the carboxyl tail of Cx43. The molecular basis of this channel-independent connexin function is still not yet fully understood but early results open an exciting view towards new functions of connexins in the cell. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.11.016 | DOI Listing |
Microvasc Res
January 2025
Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, India. Electronic address:
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is known for potent cardioprotective properties and diminished DHEA level in plasma is often associated with hypertension and age-related anomalies. However, putative ex-vivo vasorelaxation potential of DHEA in systemic resistance vessels like mesenteric arteries and conduit arteries like aorta are still to be worked out. The study aimed to explore vasorelaxation potential of DHEA in superior and resistance mesenteric arteries and aorta in rats and to determine the contribution L-type Voltage dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC) in the relaxation response in these arterial tissues.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Res
February 2024
Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Neuroscience Program, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) exogenously supplied in the brain was shown to enhance the survival of hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) newborn cells and some cognitive functions of mice. This study aims to test whether IGF-1 requires Ca1.3 activity critically while enhancing newborn cell survival and cognitive functions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Endocrinol (Lausanne)
May 2021
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Objective: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease characterized by persistent hypoglycemia as a result of inappropriate insulin secretion, which can lead to irreversible neurological defects in infants. Poor efficacy and strong adverse effects of the current medications impede successful treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate new approaches to silence β-cells and thus attenuate insulin secretion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhys Med Biol
November 2017
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain.
The influence of the various sources of noise on the uncertainty in radiochromic film (RCF) dosimetry using single channel and multichannel methods is investigated in this work. These sources of noise are extracted from pixel value (PV) readings and dose maps. Pieces of an RCF were each irradiated to different uniform doses, ranging from 0 to 1092 cGy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Vasc Res
May 2017
Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Since the cardiovascular consequences of obesity reportedly vary in different types of obesity, we investigated the influence of adipose tissue from different locales on the phenylephrine-induced tone of the mouse carotid artery. Vessels were mounted in a Mulvany-Halpern-type wire myograph, and adipose tissue, from the back (brown) or mesenteric or inguinal subcutaneous (white), was placed around the artery. Contractile responses to phenylephrine were not affected by brown adipose tissue but were reduced (p < 0.
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