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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
09:47
An Iodide-Yellow Fluorescent Protein-Gap Junction-Intercellular Communication Assay
Published on: February 1, 2019
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Translating connexin biology into therapeutics
David L Becker1, Anthony R Phillips2, Bradford J Duft3
1Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|December 22, 2015
Summary
Translating gap junction research into clinical applications faces funding challenges. Connexin hemichannels are identified as therapeutic targets for diseases and injuries, potentially impacting inflammasome pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Gap junctions, crucial for cell communication, were first described 45 years ago.
- Universities face commercial pressures and declining federal funding, necessitating research commercialization.
- Governments and funding bodies increasingly seek tangible returns on investment in scientific research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review approaches for translating gap junction research into clinical applications.
- To discuss the challenges and need for commercialization of this research.
- To explore connexin hemichannels as therapeutic targets in disease and injury.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gap junction research translation strategies.
- Discussion of commercialization and patenting concepts in scientific research.
- Analysis of connexin channel roles in disease, injury, and the inflammasome pathway.
Main Results:
- Connexin hemichannel opening is implicated in the initiation and perpetuation of the inflammasome pathway.
- Connexin hemichannel dysfunction contributes to vascular dieback in acute and chronic conditions.
- Case study of CoDa Therapeutics, Inc. illustrates translation to human indications.
Conclusions:
- Translating gap junction research requires addressing commercialization and funding challenges.
- Connexin hemichannels represent a promising therapeutic target for various diseases and injuries.
- Further research and development are needed to realize the clinical potential of gap junction modulation.
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