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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Oct 15, 2010; 1(4): 115-117
Published online Oct 15, 2010. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i4.115
Published online Oct 15, 2010. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i4.115
Emerging roles of connexin hemichannels in gastrointestinal and liver pathophysiology
Mathieu Vinken, Tamara Vanhaecke, Vera Rogiers, Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, B-1090, Belgium
Author contributions: Vinken M wrote the manuscript; and Vanhaecke T and Rogiers V revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Mathieu Vinken, PhD, PharmD, Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, B-1090, Belgium. mvinken@vub.ac.be
Telephone: +32-2-4774587 Fax: +32-2-4774582
Received: May 26, 2010
Revised: August 24, 2010
Accepted: August 31, 2010
Published online: October 15, 2010
Revised: August 24, 2010
Accepted: August 31, 2010
Published online: October 15, 2010
Abstract
Connexin hemichannels have long been considered as mere structural precursors for gap junctions. In the last decade, it has become clear that they also act as individual channels, connecting the intracellular compartment and the extracellular environment. Impairement of connexin hemichannel functionality may result in disturbance of homeostasis, as exemplified in the current paper for the intestine and the liver. Research in this field still has a number of shortcomings, of which some are also discussed here.
Keywords: Hemichannel; Connexin; Pathophysiology