Role of Gap Junctions in Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells

Abstract

Stem cells provide an invaluable tool to develop cell replacement therapies for a range of serious disorders caused by cell damage or degeneration. Much research in the field is focused on the identification of signals that either maintain stem cell pluripotency or direct their differentiation. Understanding how stem cells communicate within their microenvironment is essential to achieve their therapeutic potentials. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) has been described in embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and various somatic stem cells. GJIC has been implicated in regulating different biological events in many stem cells, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. This review summarizes the current understanding of gap junctions in both embryonic and somatic stem cells, as well as their potential role in growth control and cellular differentiation.

Bi-directional gap junction-mediated Soma-Germline communication is essential for spermatogenesis

“…Recent work has highlighted the importance of gap junctions in stem cell regulation in a number of systems (Foss et al, 2009;Spéder and Brand, 2014;Starich et al, 2014;Wong et al, 2008). In line with results from other stem cell models, our data illustrates a specific role for gap junctions in both GSCs and CySCs.…”

Cryopreservation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Are We Going in the Right Direction?

“…However, from the results obtained in these studies it is becoming increasingly clear that cell-cell adhesion and/or paracrine signaling between hPSCs are essential for survival and control of their undifferentiated state (Amit et al, 2000;Reubinoff et al, 2000;Thomson et al, 1998). Gap junctions and cell adhesion molecules are highly expressed in hESCs and have been implicated in these processes (De et al, 2002;Richards et al, 2004;Sathananthan et al, 2002;Wong et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2008). Therefore, disruption of these structures during cryopreservation due to ice crystal formation outside the cells may induce anoikis contributing to the poor recovery of hPSCs after slow cooling.…”

Stem Cells: Tools for Dental Tissues Regeneration

“…Much research is focused on the identification of signals that maintain stem cells pluripotency or direct their differentiation. Gap junctions have been implicated in stem cells proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis [16]. Gap junctions are hydrophilic channels, made by connexons, located in the membrane of adjacent cells.…”