Diseases associated with leaky hemichannels
Date
2015
Type:
Artículo
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10
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Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Research Foundation
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Abstract
Hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) formed by protein subunits called connexins (Cxs) are major pathways for intercellular communication. While HCs connect the intracellular compartment with the extracellular milieu, GJCs allow the interchange of molecules between cytoplasm of two contacting cells. Under physiological conditions, HCs are mostly closed, but they can open under certain stimuli allowing the release of autocrine and paracrine molecules. Moreover, some pathological conditions, like ischemia or other inflammation conditions, significantly increase HCs activity. In addition, some mutations in Cx genes associated with human diseases, such as deafness or cataracts, lead to the formation of more active HCs or "leaky HCs." In this article we will revise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the appearance of leaky HCs, and the consequences of their expression in different cellular systems and animal models, in seeking a common pattern or pathological mechanism of disease.
Description
Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa
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Citation
Front Cell Neurosci. 2015 Jul 27;9:267
Keywords
cell death, connexins, disease, gap junction channels, leaky hemichannels, mutations