[Gap junctions and secretion].
The emergence of multicellular organisms has necessitated the development of mechanisms for interactions between adjacent and distant cells. A consistent feature of this network is the expression of gap junction channels between the secretory cells of all glands so far investigated in vertebrates. Here, we reviewed the distribution of the gap junctions proteins, named connexins, in a few mammalian glands, and discussed the recent evidence pointing to the participation of these proteins in the functioning of endocrine and exocrine cells. Specifically, available data indicate the importance of gap junctions for the proper control of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Understanding the functions of beta-cell connexins are crucial for the engineering of surrogate cells, which is necessary for implementation of a replacement cell therapy in diabetic patients.
Haefliger
Jacques-Antoine
JA
Département de médicine interne, Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire, CHUV, Lausanne.
Allagnat
Florent
F
Krattinger
Nathalie
N
Martin
David
D
Waeber
Gérard
G
Nicod
Pascal
P
Meda
Paolo
P
D000818:Animals; D017630:Connexins / Q000502:physiology*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000378:metabolism*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000378:metabolism
D017630:Connexins