Figure 13. Cx43 expression facilitates collective migration.

This schematic is a summary of our findings from the in vitro 3D spheroid migration assay. (A) Endogenous expression of Cx43 protein forms gap junctions between glioma cells (Cx43 in red). Gap junctions physically connect the cells and allow exchange of molecules which facilitates collective migration. (B) Decreasing Cx43 expression in glioma cells weakens the connection between them and reduces the passage of molecules thus promoting single cell motility.