Intercellular junctions : a collection of papers and reviews

Abstract

Multicellular animals require intercellular junctions in order to maintain tissue integrity (adhering junctions - the various forms of desmosome), to enable cells to communicate (gap junctions), or to allow the formation of physiologically distinct compartments (occluding junctions - the septate and tight junctions). The research publications bound in these two volumes covers my work on intercellular junctions and is presented here for submission in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Science at the University of Auckland. My earlier work on sponges is included for completeness, and because it was during these studies that my interest in the role of junctions in patterning and development was aroused. What processes control sponge patterning and development, and how sponge larvae maintain metachronal rhythm of their surface cilia, each arising from a separate cell, remains to be resolved. The publications on sponges and most of the septate junction papers arise from my Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree studies. These papers are marked with an asterisk in the Contents list. The work presented is divided into sections reflecting the main themes of my research. The first two sections cover sponges and invertebrate junctions. The techniques section presents papers pertaining to vertebrate gap junction studies, although the methods will not be unique to these. The next three sections reflect my major interest in gap junctions; the biochemistry of gap junctions, the role of gap junctions during patterning and development and cardiovascular gap junctions. The final section comprises reviews and book chapters. Papers within each section are placed in chronological order. The work is divided into two volumes simply for convenience.