Connexins in migration during development and cancer

Dev Biol. 2015 May 1;401(1):143-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.12.023. Epub 2014 Dec 29.

Abstract

Connexins, the gap junction proteins, through their multitude of actions are implicated in a variety of cell processes during animal development and cancer. They allow direct or paracrine/autocrine cell communication through their channel and hemi-channel functions. They enable adhesion and interact with a plethora of signalling molecules. Here, we review the common themes in developmental and pathological processes and we focus in their involvement in cell migration in four different systems: neurons, astrocytes, neural crest and cancer.

Keywords: Cancer; Cell migration; Connexin; Development; Polarity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism*
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Development / physiology*
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Gap Junctions / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neural Crest / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Connexins