Connexin 43, a new therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

Junctional channels (JC) play essential roles in the normal function of the cardiovascular system, mediating the spread of the electrical impulse that triggers synchronized contraction of the cardiac chambers and contributing to the coordination of activities between cells of the arterial wall. In mammalian hearts, cells most prominently express JC built of Connexin40 (Cx40), Cx43 and Cx45, of which Cx43 is the predominant intercellular gap junction protein. Changes in cardiovascular Cx gene expression during development or in response to (patho)physiological signals are expected to be a crucial factor in normal cardiac development and functions, and several cardiac diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, hypertrophy, heart failure, atherosclerosis, etc. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been elucidated, recent research has found a variety of novel potential therapies related to Cx43 that can help to learn more about the mechanism of those cardiovascular diseases and the signaling pathway.