title: Can gap junctions deliver?
abstract: In vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target cells via the extracellular space has been hampered by dilution effects and immune responses. Gap junction-mediated transfer between cells avoids the extracellular space and its associated limitations. Because of these advantages cell based delivery via gap junctions has emerged as a viable alternative for siRNA or miRNA delivery. Here we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of extracellular delivery and cell to cell delivery via gap junction channels composed of connexins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
authors: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. Peter.Brink@stonybrook.edu
authors: Peter R
authors: PR
authors: Brink
authors: Virginijus
authors: V
authors: Valiunas
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Gordon
authors: Michael R
authors: MR
authors: Rosen
authors: Ira S
authors: IS
authors: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods; D002450:Cell Communication; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000378:metabolism; D017630:Connexins / Q000378:metabolism*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D008954:Models, Biological; D010873:Pinocytosis; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D000097003:Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
chemical_list: D018031:Connexin 43; D017630:Connexins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D000097003:Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein