Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic.

ABSTRACT: Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms ha

SUBMITTER: Aasen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555763 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature