Regulation of Gap Junction Expression, Synthesis and Assembly

We have considered the structure, diversity and the function of gap junctional channels. But, how are gap junctional channels formed, how are they degraded Or are they not subject to any turnover  

Little is known at present on the process of channel formation and assembly. And even less on the regulation of channel formation. A very interesting and important question is how can two cells direct their hemichannels so that they fit each other forming the intercellular pore Research in this area is still at its beginning and many of the processes involved are not well understood. But nevertheless, in this chapter the present knowledge on the regulation of channel expression and turnover will be summarized. 

If neonatal rat heart cells are manipulated into contact, Valiunas et al. 

What about the real turnover rate of gap junction proteins as the basis of changes in gap junction pattern in the course of cardiac disease There are several reports on a considerably high and rapid turnover of connexins both in vivo and in vitro. 

The role of connexin phosphorylation is uncertain at present. However, it is likely that phosphorylation, especially different phosphorylation (at various sites as in Cx43), may control various aspects of gap junction metabolism and function. 

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