Molecularly Distinct Innexin Gap Junction Channels and Undocked Hemichannels Regulate Glia Morphology and Function in Caenorhabditis elegans
Glial cells across species orchestrate nervous system development, maintenance, and function through ionic and metabolic crosstalk. These cells express multiple gap junction and hemichannel components. However, the mechanisms by which glia communicate utilizing these channel components to support nervous system architecture and function remain poorly understood. By studying GLR glial cells in…
Glial cells in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans play crucial roles in maintaining nervous system architecture and function. These cells utilize different configurations of gap junctions and hemichannels to communicate and support various functions. Research on a specific subset of glial cells, known as GLR cells, reveals that individual cells employ distinct innexin channel configurations tailored to their unique roles.
Innexin UNC-7 and UNC-9 operate as gap junction channels, specifically regulating the localization of Synaptobrevin/SNB-1 in RME neurons. Meanwhile, the innexin INX-18 functions independently as undocked hemichannels in discrete areas within the same cells, regulating high-salt-induced paralysis behavior through different pathways. Both types of channels operate non-redundantly, modulating intracellular calcium levels via the Calpain/CLP-4 and CDK-5 pathways to maintain glial morphology.
This study highlights the diverse repertoire of innexin channel utilization at the individual glial cell level, each supporting specific aspects of nervous system maintenance and functionality.
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