Connexins in the Central Nervous System: Physiological Traits and Neuroprotective Targets.

摘要: Cell-to-cell interaction and cell-to-extracellular environment communication are emerging as new therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Dynamic expression of connexins leads to distinctive hemichannels gap junctions, characterized by cell-specific conduction, exchange stimuli or metabolites, particular channel functions. Herein, we briefly reviewed classical physiological traits functions connexins, hemichannels, order discuss the controversial role these proteins their mediated interactions during neuroprotection, with a focus on Cx43-based channels. We pointed out contribution neural cells populations processes explore potential neuroprotective applications.