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Gap junctions and cancer: communicating for 50 years
Trond Aasen1, Marc Mesnil2, Christian C Naus3
1Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|November 4, 2016
Summary
Tumor cells
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Loss of intercellular communication in tumor cells was hypothesized to be linked to cancer.
- Gap junctions, formed by connexin proteins, were implicated in this phenomenon.
- Connexins are traditionally viewed as tumor suppressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical connection between gap junctions and cancer.
- To highlight key milestones in understanding connexin roles in tumorigenesis.
- To discuss current controversies and future therapeutic avenues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gap junctions and cancer.
- Analysis of historical data and recent findings.
- Synthesis of information for a timeline perspective.
Main Results:
- Connexin gap junctions were initially linked to tumor suppression.
- Emerging evidence indicates connexins can promote tumor progression in certain contexts.
- Both junctional and non-junctional connexin signaling pathways are involved.
Conclusions:
- The role of connexins in cancer is complex and context-dependent.
- Further research is needed to resolve controversies surrounding connexin function.
- Understanding connexin signaling offers potential therapeutic opportunities in oncology.
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