Gap Junctions

Introduction to Gap Junctions

Gap junctions are also called communicating junctions, macula communicans, or nexuses.  These are connections that allow for the direct passage of molecules between two cells.  

Gap junctions consist of a number of transmembrane channels called pores that are found in a closely packed arrangement.  The number of gap junctions shared between two cells can vary as well. 

Structure

Each gap junction channel is made up of two half channels (hemichannels), one in each cell’s membrane.  These half channels join together, bridge the extracellular space in the process, and form the entire channel that spans both cell membranes.  

Each of these half channels is called a connexon.  Each connexon is made up of six symmetrical integral membrane protein units called connexins.  This means each channel is made up of 12 circularly arranged protein units.  

Function

The molecules that may cross this channel include the likes of ions, regulatory proteins, and metabolites (products of metabolism).  Examples of this includes calcium ions and cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).  

Depending on the type of gap junction in question, molecules can pass evenly in both directions, or asymmetrically, so in some gap junctions the molecules will move in one direction faster than in the other direction.  

The channels in a gap junction aren’t always open.  They fluctuate between being open and closed.  The ability of the channel to open or close is made possible in part to calcium ions, which induce a reversible conformational change in the connexin molecules, which leads to the closure of a channel at its extracellular surface.  The cytoplasmic end of each connexon can also be closed, if necessary. 

Location

Gap junctions are found in many places throughout the body.  This includes epithelia, which are the coverings of body surfaces, as well as nerves, cardiac (heart) muscle, and smooth muscle (such as that of the intestines).  

Their primary role is to coordinate the activity of adjacent cells.  For instance, when heart cells need to beat in unison, gap junctions allow for the transmission of electrical signals between the cells.  

Gap junction

The major molecular components of the gap junction. 

This is a drawing of the major molecular components of the gap junction. The hydrophilic channel, connexon, and connexin monomer gap junctions are depicted as tubes connecting two plasma membranes. The tubes have a camera-shutter type of aperture on each end that open and close.

Intercalated disk in heart muscle contains gap junctions

Intercalated disks consist of three different types of cell–cell junctions: actin filaments anchoring adherens junctions, intermediate filaments anchoring desmosomes, and gap junctions. Gap junctions are responsible for electrochemical and metabolic coupling.

This is a detailed, closeup photo of an intercalated disk in a heart muscle contains gap junctions. Intercalated disks consist of three different types of cell–cell junctions: actin filaments anchoring adherens junctions, intermediate filaments anchoring desmosomes, and gap junctions. Gap junctions are responsible for electrochemical and metabolic coupling.