Articulo
Connexins and Pannexins in Vascular Function and Disease
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Registro en:
1150530
1150530
Autor
Molica, Filippo
Figueroa-Foessel, Xavier Horacio
Kwak, Brenda R
Isakson, Brant E
Gibbins, Jonathan M
Institución
Resumen
Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are ubiquitous membrane channel forming proteins that are critically involved in many aspects of vascular physiology and pathology. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through Panx channels, Cx hemichannels and gap junction channels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review provides an overview of current knowledge with respect to the pathophysiological role of these channels in large arteries, the microcirculation, veins, the lymphatic system and platelet function. The essential nature of these membrane proteins in vascular homeostasis is further emphasized by the pathologies that are linked to mutations and polymorphisms in Cx and Panx genes. Regular 2015 FONDECYT FONDECYT