Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress.
10.1038/s41368-020-0086-6
- Author:
Wenjing LIU
1
;
Yujia CUI
1
;
Jieya WEI
1
;
Jianxun SUN
1
;
Liwei ZHENG
1
;
Jing XIE
2
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. xiejing2012@scu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Bone and Bones;
Cell Communication;
Connexins;
metabolism;
physiology;
Gap Junctions;
metabolism;
pathology;
Homeostasis;
physiology;
Humans;
Mouth Diseases;
Phosphorylation
- From:
International Journal of Oral Science
2020;12(1):17-17
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
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 diseases is discussed. The homoeostasis of tooth and periodontal tissues, normal tooth and maxillofacial development, saliva secretion and the integrity of the oral mucosa depend on the proper function of gap junctions. Knowledge of this pattern of cell-cell communication is required for a better understanding of oral diseases. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in oral diseases, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various oral diseases and maxillofacial dysplasia.
