Defective gap junctional intercellular communication in lung cancer: loss of an important mediator of tissue homeostasis and phenotypic regulation

Exp Lung Res. 2001 Apr-May;27(3):231-43. doi: 10.1080/019021401300053984.

Abstract

Gap junctions provide direct pathways for the exchange of molecules and ions between neighboring cells, a process known as gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). This GJIC is important for homeostasis and regulation of mitosis, differentiation, and apoptosis. Gap junctions are present in lung airway and alveolar epithelial cells and, in addition to the above roles, might coordinate ciliary beating and surfactant secretion. GJIC is decreased in human and mouse lung carcinoma cells because of reduced expression of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), and defects in signal transduction pathways that mediate Cx43 function. This reduced GJIC is important in the behavior of lung carcinoma cells because forced expression of Cx43 in lung carcinoma cells inhibits their growth and tumorigenicity. In this report, we summarize our studies on the role of GJIC in lung neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Connexin 43 / genetics
  • Connexin 43 / physiology
  • Gap Junctions / physiology*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Mice
  • Phenotype
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Connexin 43