Connexins, cell motility, and the cytoskeleton.
Connexins (Cx) comprise a family of transmembrane proteins, which form intercellular channels between plasma membranes of two adjoining cells, commonly known as gap junctions. Recent reports revealed that Cx proteins interact with diverse cellular components to form a multiprotein complex, which has been termed "Nexus". Potential interaction partners include proteins such as cytoskeletal proteins, scaffolding proteins, protein kinases and phosphatases. These interactions allow correct subcellular localization of Cxs and functional regulation of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication. Evidence is accruing that Cxs might have channel-independent functions, which potentially include regulation of cell migration, cell polarization and growth control. In the current review, we summarize recent knowledge on Cx interactions with cytoskeletal proteins and highlight some aspects of their role in cellular motility.
Olk
Stephan
S
Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Zoidl
Georg
G
Dermietzel
Rolf
R
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D048708:Cell Growth Processes; D002465:Cell Movement; D016764:Cell Polarity; D017630:Connexins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D017630:Connexins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D011494:Protein Kinases; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases