Targeting Connexins Biology as Therapeutic Strategies Against Retinal Diseases

Gap junctions are intercellular channels formed by structural elements called connexins. These intercellular channels play a key role in retinal homeostasis by enabling the exchange of metabolites between neighbouring cells. Several connexins are expressed in different retinal cells, suggesting that the permeability properties of the channels and their physiological relevance could be cell-type dependent. Many studies have revealed that dysfunctional gap junction activity contributes to the development and worsening of retinal diseases. Unravelling the complexity of the retinal connexins' biology is essential to designing effective therapeutic strategies. For instance, new drugs or connexin mimetic peptides that selectively modulate connexin isoforms in each cell type are currently explored as therapeutic options for retinal diseases. To date, Cx43 mimetic peptides have been tested for the treatment of different retinal pathologies.