title: Degradation of connexins through the proteasomal, endolysosomal and phagolysosomal pathways.
abstract: Connexins comprise gap junction channels, which create a direct conduit between the cytoplasms of adjacent cells and provide for intercellular communication. Therefore, the level of total cellular connexin protein can have a direct influence on the level of intercellular communication. Control of connexin protein levels can occur through different mechanisms during the connexin life cycle, such as by regulation of connexin gene expression and turnover of existing protein. The degradation of connexins has been extensively studied, revealing proteasomal, endolysosomal and more recently autophagosomal degradation mechanisms that modulate connexin turnover and, subsequently, affect intercellular communication. Here, we review the current knowledge of connexin degradation pathways.
authors: Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 651 Ilalo Street, BSB 222, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. vsu@cc.hawaii.edu
authors: Vivian
authors: V
authors: Su
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Cochrane
authors: Alan F
authors: AF
authors: Lau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001343:Autophagy / Q000502:physiology; D017630:Connexins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D046988:Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D046988:Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex