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Hemichannels in neurodegenerative diseases: is there a link to pathology?

Megan Bosch1, Tammy Kielian2

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|September 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Connexin hemichannels (HCs) are key in CNS communication and disease. Their dual role in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity highlights potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Connexin hemichannels (HCs) were initially structural but are now known functional entities.
  • HCs facilitate communication between intracellular and extracellular environments.
  • Pannexins also form HCs, distinct from connexin-based gap junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted role of HCs in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • To discuss the implications of HC activity in Alzheimer's disease and lysosomal storage disorders.
  • To highlight the potential of targeting HC function for therapeutic benefit.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on connexin and pannexin hemichannels.
  • Analysis of HC involvement in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
  • Examination of HC roles in specific neurodegenerative conditions.

Main Results:

  • HCs exhibit both neuroprotective (e.g., toxin uptake) and neurotoxic (e.g., gradient disruption) effects.
  • Chronic HC opening can lead to cellular dysfunction and death.
  • Evidence suggests HC involvement in Alzheimer's disease and lysosomal storage disorders.

Conclusions:

  • HCs play a complex role in neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
  • Targeting HC activity presents a potential therapeutic strategy for improving disease outcomes.

Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseconnexinhemichannelslysosomal storage diseaseneurodegeneration

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