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Updated: Jun 25, 2025

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The Role of the Gap Junction Protein Connexin in Adrenal Gland Tumorigenesis

Maja Mizdrak1,2, Tina Ticinovic Kurir1,2, Ivan Mizdrak3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Gap junctions (GJs) regulate adrenal gland cells, with connexin (Cx) expression varying by gland region and ACTH levels. GJs are crucial for adrenal cell function and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gap junctions (GJs) are vital for cell communication, influencing growth, differentiation, and migration.
  • Emerging research highlights their role in disease pathogenesis, including cancer progression.
  • Connexins (Cxs) are the primary proteins forming GJs, and their function in the adrenal gland is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the expression patterns and roles of connexins (Cxs) in the adrenal gland.
  • To evaluate the physiological and pathological significance of GJs in adrenal gland function.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting Cxs in adrenal gland-related conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus.
  • Studies were selected based on data concerning connexin expression in the adrenal gland.
  • Existing research on Cx expression and GJ function in the adrenal gland was synthesized.

Main Results:

  • Connexin expression in the adrenal gland is heterogeneous, varying across different regions and influenced by ACTH release.
  • Cx43 is the most studied Cx in the adrenal cortex, while Cx26, Cx32, and Cx50 are also found in the human adrenal gland.
  • The adrenal medulla expresses Cx50, Cx26, Cx29, Cx32, Cx36, and Cx43 with specific cellular distributions.

Conclusions:

  • Gap junctions play a pivotal role in adrenal gland cell functioning, evidenced by their differential and hormone-dependent distribution.
  • Increased GJ size and number following hormonal treatment suggest a significant role in adrenal gland physiology.
  • Connexins represent promising therapeutic targets for adrenal gland disorders, with ongoing development of targeted strategies.
Keywords:
adrenal glandadrenocortical cancerconnexingap junctionintercellular communicationpheochromocytoma

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