Intercellular communication in atherosclerosis.
Cell-to-cell communication is a process necessary for physiological tissue homeostasis and appears often altered during disease. Gap junction channels, formed by connexins, allow the direct intercellular communication between adjacent cells. After a brief review of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, we will discuss the role of connexins throughout the different stages of the disease.
Burnier
Laurent
L
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Fontana
Pierre
P
Angelillo-Scherrer
Anne
A
Kwak
Brenda R
BR
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002450:Cell Communication; D017630:Connexins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans
D017630:Connexins