Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress.

ABSTRACT: Homoeostasis depends on the close connection and intimate molecular exchange between extracellular, intracellular and intercellular networks. Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells. Although considerable evidence indicates that gap junctions contribute to the functions of many organs, such as the bone, intestine, kidney, heart, brain and nerve, less is known about their role in oral development and disease. In this review, the current progress in understanding the background of connexins and the functions of gap junctions in oral development and dis

SUBMITTER: Liu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7293327 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature