Regulation of intercellular calcium signaling through calcium interactions with connexin-based channels

• Published in: Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 740; p. 777
• Main Authors: Orellana, Juan A, Sánchez, Helmuth A, Schalper, Kurt A, Figueroa, Vania, Sáez, Juan C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2012
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium - metabolism; Calcium Signaling - physiology; Cell Communication; Connexins - physiology; Gap Junctions - physiology; Humans; Ion Channel Gating
• ISSN: 0065-2598
• DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2888-2_34

The synchronization of numerous cellular events requires complex electric and metabolic cell-cell interactions. Connexins are a family of membrane proteins that constitute the molecular basis of two kinds of channels: gap junction channels (GJCs), which allow direct cytoplasm-cytoplasm communication, and hemichannels (HCs) that provide a pathway for exchanges between the intra and extra-cellular milieu. Both kind of connexin-based channels support intercellular communication via intercellular propagation of calcium waves. Here, we review evidence supporting the role of Ca(2+) in the regulation of GJCs and HCs formed by connexins. Also it is speculated how these connexin-based channels could contribute to the propagation of intercellular Ca(2+) signals.