![]() “Intracellular Communication in the Eye lens” The major objective of this grant is to determine the specific mechanistic role of Cx43 hemichannels in mediating the anabolic effect of mechanical loading on the skeletal tissues. “Connexin channels in transducing mechanical signals in bone” The major objective of this study is to elucidate the underlying mechanism of proteoglycans in toughening of bone and its contribution to the age-related bone fragility. “Proteoglycans and age-related deterioration of bone toughness” RO1 (AR076190) Jiang (MPI) and Wang (Contact PI). To investigate the functional significance of gap junctions, hemichannels and integrins in signaling transmission, skeletal tissue remodeling and cancer metastasis of breast cancer and osteosarcoma. To determine the gap junction or hemichannel-dependent and independent mechanisms of connexins in cell growth, differentiation and lens development.Ģ). Hemichannels mediate the passage of biological molecules, especially for cells under stress conditions. Therefore, gap junctions provide the critical means for cell survival and for physiological regulation of cellular functions. In addition to forming gap junctions, connexins are recently shown to form hemichannels, un-apposed halves of gap junction channels. For cells like bone osteocytes, signals generated by mechanical loading can be transmitted extensively through gap junction channels. Thus, lens survival and homeostasis are uniquely dependent upon intercellular communication via gap junctions with the cells localized at the lens surface. Cells like lens fibers within the interior of the vertebrate eye lens neither have blood supply nor organelles. Gap junction channels permit small metabolites, ions, and second messengers to pass from cell to cell. These channels are formed by a family of proteins called connexins. Gap junctions are clusters of transmembrane channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. ![]() Cells connect and communicate via an information superhighway named gap junctions. ![]()
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