Connexin43 in gap junctional intercellular communication in astrocytes and glioma cells

Abstract

Gap junctional intercellular communication built by hemichannels on cell membrane is a functional syncytium which allows rapid transfer of ions and molecules between cells. Recent findings have shown that gap junction proteins, and specifically Cx43, can play a significant role in cell migration, tissue formation and organ development, impacting adhesion and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Some literatures have shown that Cx43 was able to contribute to the treatment of gliomas by modulation of gap junctional communication. However, the exact cellular mechanism behind those pharmaceutical efficacies on Cx43 still remains unknown. Hereby, targeting Cx43 on astrocytes in gliomas is mainly discussed.