Hemichannels: permeants and their effect on development, physiology and death
Anjana Chandrasekhar1, Amal Kanti Bera
1Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, Chennai, India.
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|March 7, 2012
Summary
This review explores hemichannels, crucial for cell communication and function. It details connexin and pannexin hemichannel roles in development, survival, and death, highlighting their regulation and tissue impact.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Hemichannels, half of gap junction channels, possess independent physiological functions.
- Connexin hemichannels are well-documented, while pannexin hemichannels, homologous to invertebrate gap junction proteins, are also studied.
- At least 21 connexin and 3 pannexin isotypes exist, forming tissue-specific hemichannels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the activity of hemichannels and their associated released molecules.
- To discuss the impact of hemichannel activity on tissue functioning in various physiological states.
- To highlight the regulatory mechanisms governing hemichannel spatio-temporal opening.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on connexin and pannexin hemichannels.
- Analysis of research on hemichannel involvement in physiological and pathological processes.
- Synthesis of information on molecules released by hemichannels.
Main Results:
- Hemichannels are implicated in diverse events including development, cell survival, and cell death.
- The function of hemichannels is dependent on their spatio-temporal opening.
- Different physiological states involve distinct hemichannel activities and molecular releases.
Conclusions:
- Hemichannels, composed of connexins and pannexins, play significant roles in tissue function.
- Understanding hemichannel regulation is critical due to their involvement in fundamental cellular processes.
- Further research into hemichannel activity and released molecules can elucidate their impact on health and disease.
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