Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression
Gap junctions are cell-to-cell junctions that are located in the basolateral surface of two adjoining cells. A gap junction channel is composed of a family of proteins called connexins. Gap junction channels maintain intercellular communication between two cells through the exchange of ions, small m...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2016-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Cell Biology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9025905 |
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| _version_ | 1849682820612489216 |
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| author | Debarshi Banerjee |
| author_facet | Debarshi Banerjee |
| author_sort | Debarshi Banerjee |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Gap junctions are cell-to-cell junctions that are located in the basolateral surface of two adjoining cells. A gap junction channel is composed of a family of proteins called connexins. Gap junction channels maintain intercellular communication between two cells through the exchange of ions, small metabolites, and electrical signals. Gap junction channels or connexins are widespread in terms of their expression and function in maintaining the development, differentiation, and homeostasis of vertebrate tissues. Gap junction connexins play a major role in maintaining intercellular communication among different cell types of normal mammary gland for proper development and homeostasis. Connexins have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Differential expression pattern of connexins and their gap junction dependent or independent functions provide pivotal cross talk of breast tumor cells with the surrounding stromal cell in the microenvironment. Substantial research from the last 20 years has accumulated ample evidences that allow us a better understanding of the roles that connexins play in the tumorigenesis of primary breast tumor and its metastatic progression. This review will summarize the knowledge about the connexins and gap junction activities in breast cancer highlighting the differential expression and functional dynamics of connexins in the pathogenesis of the disease. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cac1bbf9e6684e97a4928373f9536d59 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1687-8876 1687-8884 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2016-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Cell Biology |
| spelling | doaj-art-cac1bbf9e6684e97a4928373f9536d592025-08-20T03:24:03ZengWileyInternational Journal of Cell Biology1687-88761687-88842016-01-01201610.1155/2016/90259059025905Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and ProgressionDebarshi Banerjee0Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, 1130 St Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USAGap junctions are cell-to-cell junctions that are located in the basolateral surface of two adjoining cells. A gap junction channel is composed of a family of proteins called connexins. Gap junction channels maintain intercellular communication between two cells through the exchange of ions, small metabolites, and electrical signals. Gap junction channels or connexins are widespread in terms of their expression and function in maintaining the development, differentiation, and homeostasis of vertebrate tissues. Gap junction connexins play a major role in maintaining intercellular communication among different cell types of normal mammary gland for proper development and homeostasis. Connexins have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Differential expression pattern of connexins and their gap junction dependent or independent functions provide pivotal cross talk of breast tumor cells with the surrounding stromal cell in the microenvironment. Substantial research from the last 20 years has accumulated ample evidences that allow us a better understanding of the roles that connexins play in the tumorigenesis of primary breast tumor and its metastatic progression. This review will summarize the knowledge about the connexins and gap junction activities in breast cancer highlighting the differential expression and functional dynamics of connexins in the pathogenesis of the disease.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9025905 |
| spellingShingle | Debarshi Banerjee Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression International Journal of Cell Biology |
| title | Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression |
| title_full | Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression |
| title_fullStr | Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression |
| title_full_unstemmed | Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression |
| title_short | Connexin’s Connection in Breast Cancer Growth and Progression |
| title_sort | connexin s connection in breast cancer growth and progression |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9025905 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT debarshibanerjee connexinsconnectioninbreastcancergrowthandprogression |