Endothelial connexins are down-regulated by atherogenic factors.
Connexins are single polypeptides that assemble to form paired connexon hexamers participating in gap-junctional intercellular communication. In addition, unpaired connexons at cell membrane also act as channels connecting cytosols and extracellular space. These channels' properties plus other unique functions of connexins give the molecules significant roles in endothelial cells, which mainly express connexin43 (Cx43), Cx40, and Cx37. In vitro studies have shown that expression of endothelial connexins are regulated by both physiological and pathological factors, a majority of which are involved in atherogenesis. In vascular disorders, endothelial connexins are differentially regulated. However, down-regulation of gap junctions is a common phenomenon. These findings suggest that reduced expression of endothelial gap junctions is a potential indicator of endothelial dysfunction and warrant investigators to explore the molecular mechanisms as well as therapeutic implications.
Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Charles Jia-Yin
CJ
Hou
Cheng-Ho
CH
Tsai
Hung-I
HI
Yeh
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002450:Cell Communication; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D017630:Connexins / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D017630:Connexins