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Connexins in atherosclerosis

Anna Pfenniger1, Marc Chanson, Brenda R Kwak

  • 1Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Switzerland.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|May 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Connexins, proteins forming cell-to-cell channels, are increasingly recognized for their role in atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease. This review details connexin expression and function in atherosclerosis development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cellular Communication
  • Inflammatory Diseases

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease of the vessel wall.
  • Cell-cell communication via cytokines and chemokines is central to atherogenesis.
  • Direct cell communication through connexin channels is increasingly recognized in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the expression and function of connexins in cells and processes underlying atherosclerosis.
  • To highlight the role of connexin channels in atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of connexin expression patterns in atherosclerotic cells.
  • Evaluation of connexin function in atherogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Three main connexins (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43) are expressed in cells involved in atherosclerosis.
  • Cx37 is found in endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, and platelets.
  • Cx40 is predominantly an endothelial connexin, while Cx43 is expressed in smooth muscle cells and various leukocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Connexins play a significant role in atherosclerosis development through direct cell communication.
  • Understanding connexin roles provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

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