Connexins in melanoma: Potential role of Cx46 in its aggressiveness
Date
2020-11
Type:
Article
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and in metastatic advanced states,
it is completely refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is relevant to understand
the molecular bases that rule their aggressiveness. Connexins (Cxs) are proteins that
under normal physiological conditions participate in intercellular communication, via
the exchange of signaling molecules between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu
and the exchange of ions/second messengers between the cytoplasm of contacting
cells. These proteins have shown important roles in cancer progression, chemo- and
radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Accordingly, Cx26 and Cx43 seem to play
important roles in melanoma progression and metastasis. On the other hand, Cx46
is typically expressed in the eye lens, where it seems to be associated with oxidative
stress protection in fiber lens cells. However, in the last decade, Cx46 expression
has been associated with breast and brain cancers, due to its role in potentiation of
both extracellular vesicle release and cancer stem cell-like properties. In this review,
we analyzed a potential role of Cx46 as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in
melanoma.
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Citation
Pigment cell & Melanoma Research, 2020, november 3
Keywords
Cx46, Connexins, Gap junctions, Melanocytes, Melanoma, Skin