Formation of a distinct Connexin43 phosphoisoform in mitotic cells is dependent upon p34cdc2 kinase. Intercellular Communication And The Control Of Cell Growth. We are interested in understanding the role that gap junctional intercellular communication plays in the control of cell growth. Evidence indicates that gap junctional communication plays a role in the control of cell proliferation, embryonic development and the regulation of differentiated function in postmitotic cells. Several lines of evidence indicate that gap junctions act as tumor suppressors.
Tumor promoters decrease intercellular communication.
In fact, for most carcinogens, there appears to be a much stronger correlation of tumorgenicity with the inhibition of intercellular communication, an epigenetic event, than with mutagenicity. Several activated oncogenes, such as ras , fps , fos , jun , myc , and src , can decrease intercellular communication. Intercellular communication is almost always decreased very early during carcinogenesis. We hope to gain an understanding of how gap junctions are regulated at the molecular level and the biological consequences of intercellular communication. At the mechanistic level, my laboratory is concerned mainly with determining how the life cycle of a connexin protein can be regulated.