Gap Junctional Communication in Morphogenesis

摘要: Gap junctions permit the direct passage of small molecules from cytosol one cell to that its neighbor, and thus form a system cell-cell communication exists alongside familiar secretion/receptor signaling. Because rich potential for regulation junctional conductance, directional molecular gating (specificity), gap (GJC) plays crucial role in many aspects normal tissue physiology. However, most exciting GJC is information flow takes place during embryonic development, regeneration, tumor progression. The mechanisms by which establishes local long-range instructive morphogenetic cues are just beginning be understood. This review summarizes current knowledge involvement patterning both vertebrate invertebrate systems discusses detail several properties this signaling have been molecularly characterized. One model consistent with existing data fields left-right anterior-posterior polarity flatworm regeneration postulates electrophoretically guided movement molecule morphogens through paths. discovery controlling regenerative GJC-mediated signaling, identification downstream targets GJC-permeable molecules, represent next areas research fascinating field.