Connexin46 in the nucleus of cancer cells: a possible role as transcription modulator.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oncogenes drive cancer progression, but few are active exclusively in tumor cells. Connexins (Cxs), traditionally recognized as ion channel proteins, can localize to the nucleus and regulate gene expression, playing key roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Cx46, once thought to be restricted to the eye lens, has been implicated in tumor growth, though its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the nuclear presence of Cx46 in cancer cells and its potential role as a transcriptional modulator.

Methods

We employed ChIP-Seq, confocal immunofluorescence, and nuclear protein purification to assess Cx46 localization and DNA interactions. Functional assays were conducted to evaluate its effects on invasion, division, spheroid form

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Olivares A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11948717 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature