Mechanisms Underlying Connexin Hemichannel Activation in Disease

Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels mediate intercellular and extracellular communication, respectively. While gap junctions are seen as the good guys by controlling homeostasis, connexin hemichannels are considered as the bad guys, as their activation is associated with the onset and dissemination of disease. Open connexin hemichannels indeed mediate the transport of messengers between the cytosol and extracellular environment and, by doing so, fuel inflammation and cell death in a plethora of diseases. The present mini-review discusses the mechanisms involved in the activation of connexin hemichannels during pathology.

Automated summary

Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels play different roles in intercellular and extracellular communication, with the former maintaining homeostasis and the latter being associated with the onset and spread of disease by mediating messenger transport that fuels inflammation and cell death in various diseases. The present review discusses the mechanisms involved in the activation of connexin hemichannels during pathology.