Brain irradiation increases astrocyte proBDNF transport, decreases neuronal GLUT3/MCT2 and is prevented by hemichannel inhibition.

7XQJ: Hemichannel-focused structure of C-terminal truncated connexin43/Cx43/GJA1 gap junction intercellular channel in POPE nanodiscs (PLN conformation)

A peptide segment that is 10 residues long at the C-terminal (CT) region of Cx43 is known to be involved in interactions, both with the Cx43 protein itself and with other proteins, that result in…

Background Accompanied by activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannel-mediated ATP release is situated upstream of inflammasome assembly...

Odor detection in insects is largely mediated by structures on antennae called sensilla, which feature a strongly conserved architecture and repertoire of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and various support cell types. In Drosophila, OSNs are tightly apposed to supporting cells, whose connection with neurons and functional roles in odor detection remain unclear. Coupling mechanisms between these neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been suggested based on morphological observations, concomitant physiological activity during odor stimulation, and known interactions that occur in other chemosensory systems. For instance, it is not known whether cell–cell coupling via gap junctions between OSNs and neighboring cells exists, or whether hemichannels interconnect cellular and extracellular sensillum compartments. Here, we show that innexins, which form hemichannels and gap junctions in invertebrates, are abundantly expressed in adult drosophilid antennae. By surveying antennal tr

Published in Cell communication and signaling : CCS

USU Chemist Awarded Patent Toward Connexin Hemichannel Inhibitor Development  Utah State University

Microglia play a critical role in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Here, the authors show that knockout of microglial Cx43 or inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels by nanoparticle-delivered peptide mitigates cognitive deficits and neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice by inducing microglia into a neuroprotective state.

Professor Tom Chang has been awarded a patent for a method to synthesize and characterize novel molecules toward the development of a therapeutic agent to slow abnormal cell-to-cell communication.

Statement of Significance: This article provides an overview of Connexin 43 hemichannels, elucidating their crucial involvement in various diseases and out

Statement of Significance: This article provides an overview of Connexin 43 hemichannels, elucidating their crucial involvement in various diseases and out

Odor detection in insects is largely mediated by structures on antennae called sensilla, which feature a strongly conserved architecture and repertoire of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and various ...