Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-12-31
pubmed:abstractText
Gap junction proteins, connexins, possess many properties that are atypical of other well-characterized integral membrane proteins. Oligomerization of connexins into hemichannels (connexons) has been shown to occur after the protein exits the endoplasmic reticulum. Once delivered to the cell surface, connexons from one cell pair with connexons from a neighboring cell, a process that is facilitated by calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules. Channels cluster into defined plasma membrane domains to form plaques. Unexpectedly, gap junctions are not stable (half-life < 5 h) and are thought to be retrieved back into the cell in the form of double membrane structures when one cell internalizes the entire gap junction through endocytosis. Evidence exists for both proteasomal and lysosomal degradation of gap junctions, and it remains possible that both mechanisms are involved in connexin degradation. In addition to opening and closing of gap junction channels (gating), the formation and removal of gap junctions play an essential role in regulating the level of intercellular communication.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Aug
pubmed:issn
0145-479X
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
28
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
311-8
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
The life cycle of a connexin: gap junction formation, removal, and degradation.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't