Astrocytes are often referred to, and historically have been regarded as, support cells of the
mammalian CNS. Work over the last decade suggests otherwise—that astrocytes may in fact …

Connexin channels are known to be permeable to a variety of cytoplasmic molecules. The
first observation of second messenger junctional permeability, made∼ 30 years ago …

Astrocytes are electrically nonexcitable cells that communicate by means of Ca 2+ signaling.
Long-distance intercellular Ca 2+ waves are initiated by release of ATP and activation of …

Functional interaction between neurons and glia is an exciting field that has expanded
tremendously during the past decade. Such partnership has multiple impacts on neuronal …

The idea that the gap junction family of proteins, connexins, are tumour suppressors has
been widely supported through numerous cancer models. However, the paradigm that …

Connexins constitute a large family of trans-membrane proteins that allow intercellular
communication and the transfer of ions and small signaling molecules between cells …

Gap junctions are membrane structures made of intercellular channels which permit the
diffusion from cytoplasm to cytoplasm of small hydrophilic molecules. Nearly 40 years ago …

Before the roles of normal, mature astrocytes in the mammalian CNS can be discussed, we
first need to define these cells. A definition proposed here is that such a class is best defined …

Reactive astrocytes are integral to the glioma microenvironment. Connexin43 (Cx43) is a
major gap junction protein in astrocytes and its expression is enhanced significantly in …

Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed of connexin subunits are found in most
cell types in vertebrates. Gap junctions connect cells via channels not open to the …