Editor's Summary

23 August 2007

Neural migration

Gap junctions, where neighbouring cells form pores or channels that allow signalling molecules and ions to pass freely from cell to cell, are found in many adult and developing cells in vertebrates. Their functions have been largely attributed to the molecular traffic between the cells. But there is more to it than that. Elias et al. now provide evidence for a role of gap junctions in neuronal migration, and it is the adhesive properties of the gap junction proteins and the nature of the cell-to-cell contact points that are important for migration, rather than the conductivity of their channels. The findings have implications beyond brain development. Since many other gap junction functions, including involvement in tumour metastasis, may also depend on adhesion rather than pore function, gap junctions may be amenable to manipulation in ways not previously considered. The cover graphic shows neurons climbing along radial fibres in the brain and the clusters of gap junctions that provide adhesive contacts are shown in orange.

Article: Gap junction adhesion is necessary for radial migration in the neocortex

Laura A. B. Elias, Doris D. Wang & Arnold R. Kriegstein

doi:10.1038/nature06063

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (2,143K) | Supplementary information