缝隙连接与脑功能研究进展

Gap junction and function of brain

缝隙连接是一些细胞间连接通道的聚合物,它能够让细胞间交流一些物质,如离子、小分子,并实现交换。目前,在哺乳动物组织中已发现的缝隙连接蛋白家族大约有20个成员。其中有一半表达在神经系统中,如星型胶质细胞、少突胶质细胞可以表达某些特定的缝隙连接蛋白。已有大量的研究表明:缝隙连接对于胶质细胞间、星型胶质细胞和神经元之间,以及神经元之间的细胞间交流是非常重要的,并与维持正常脑功能密切相关。文中以胶质细胞间和神经元之间,以及胶质细胞和神经元之间的缝隙连接与脑功能的研究进展,作为主题进行论述。

Gap junction is the aggregate of some intercellular channels,which allows ions and small molecules to transport or transfer between cells.There are about 20 proposed members of the connexin family found in mammalian tissues now,and more than 10 reported are expressed in the nervous system.The astrocytes and oligodendrocytes express some specific connexins.In the present article,we review the recent literatures to illustrate the importance of gap junction for the intercellular communication between glial cells,astrocytes and neurons,and neuronal cells,which is crucial for brain functions.