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Multiple and complex influences of connexins and pannexins on cell death

Jérôme Gilleron1, Diane Carette2, Dominique Segretain2

  • 1INSERM U 1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Nice F-06204 Cedex 3, France; University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, 151 route Saint Antoine de Ginestière BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Biomembranes
|June 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Connexins, pannexins, and innexins are increasingly recognized as key regulators of various cell death pathways, influencing processes from intercellular communication to protein interactions. This review explores their multifaceted roles in cell death mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Cell death is crucial for development, immunity, and tissue homeostasis.
  • Multiple cell death pathways exist, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necrosis, and autosis.
  • Connexins and pannexins are implicated as regulators of cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of connexins, pannexins, and innexins in cell death.
  • To explore these roles across different scales, from cell communication to molecular interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on connexins, pannexins, and innexins in cell death.
  • Analysis of findings related to gap junction intercellular communication and protein-protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Connexins, pannexins, and innexins participate in diverse cell death pathways.
  • Their involvement spans from regulating intercellular communication to direct protein interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Connexins, pannexins, and innexins are significant effectors in cell death regulation.
  • Further research into these proteins can elucidate novel therapeutic targets for cell death-related disorders.
Keywords:
ApoptosisAutosisCell deathConnexinGap junctionHemichannelInnexinPannexinPyroptosis

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