Gap junction-mediated communication is essential for normal embryonic development and function in adult organs. This volume reviews gap junctions in cell proliferation and cancer, the retina and lens, auditory system, the heart, central and peripheral nervous system, and reproductive system.

Gap junction-mediated communication is essential for normal embryonic development and function in adult organs. Highlighting the progress in understanding gap junction structure, this concise volume discusses the specific roles of individual connexins (gap junction proteins). It brings together an interdisciplinary group of experts, who review the role of gap junctions in cell proliferation and cancer, the retina and lens, the auditory system, the heart, the central and peripheral nervous system, and the reproductive system.

Molecular biology, gene expression and regulation of gap junctions
electron cryo-crystallography of a recombinant gap junction channel at 7 resolution - progress towards visualizing different conformational states
trafficking and assembly
interactions between growth factors and gap junctional communication in developing systems
biological functions of gap junctions revealed by genetic defects, targeted mutations and dominant negative approaches
connexins in the lens - are they to blame in diabetic cataractogenesis?
neuronal coupling in the central nervous system - lessons from the retina
gap junctions and connexin expression in the inner ear
gap junctions and connexin expression in the adult and developing cerebral cortex
peripheral nervous system (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
cardiovascular disease
misregulation of Connexin43 (1) gap junction channels and congenital heart defects
use of dominant negative, antisense and targeted gene disruption strategies for the study of gap junction function
connexins in tumour suppression and cancer therapy.