title: Connexin channel modulators and their mechanisms of action.
abstract: Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by the connexin family of proteins play important roles in many aspects of tissue homeostasis in the brain and in other organs. In addition, connexin channels have been proposed as pharmacological targets in the treatment of a number of human disorders. In this review, we describe the connexin-subtype selectivity and specificity of pharmacological agents that are commonly used to modulate connexin channels. We also highlight recent progress made toward identifying new agents for connexin channels that act in a selective and specific manner. Finally, we discuss developing insights into possible mechanisms by which these agents modulate connexin channel function. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels'.
authors.affiliation: Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
authors.forename: Vytas K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Verselis
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, SUNY College of Optometry, 33 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, USA. Electronic address: msrinivas@sunyopt.edu.
authors.forename: Miduturu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Srinivas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017630:Connexins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000187:drug effects; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D049990:Membrane Transport Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D007473:Ion Channels; D049990:Membrane Transport Modulators
keywords: Connexin; Gap junctions; Hemichannels; Pharmacology