Connexins: Sensors of epidermal integrity that are therapeutic targets. Issue 8 (4th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Patricia E.; Easton, Jennifer A.; Hodgins, Malcolm B.; Wright, Catherine S.
• Is Part Of: FEBS letters. Volume 588:Issue 8(2014)
• Page Start: 1304
• Page End: 1314
• Publication Date: 2014-03-04
• Subjects: Cx -- connexin -- HPV -- human papilloma virus -- NSHI -- non–syndromic hearing impairment -- ODDD -- oculodentodigital dysplasia -- ZO-1 -- zona occludens 1 -- E1 and E2 -- extracellular domains 1 and 2 -- PPK -- palmoplantar hyperkeratinisation -- KID -- keratitis ichthyosis deafness -- EKV-P -- erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva -- CaR -- Calcium-sensor receptor -- UPR -- unfolded protein response -- ROS -- reactive oxygen species -- Panx -- pannexin -- IP3 -- inositol triphosphate -- PGN -- Peptidoglycan -- IL-6 -- interleukin 6 -- TLR2 -- toll-like receptor 2 -- ECM -- extracellular matrix -- PKC -- protein kinase C -- asODNs -- antisense oligonucleotides -- CMP -- connexin mimetic peptide -- Epidermis -- Connexin -- Gap junction -- Epidermal sensor -- Cell signalling -- Therapeutic target; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Biochemistry; Biophysics; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5793

Abstract

Abstract : Gap junction proteins (connexins) are differentially expressed throughout the multiple layers of the epidermis. A variety of skin conditions arise with aberrant connexin expression or function and suggest that maintaining the epidermal gap junction network has many important roles in preserving epidermal integrity and homeostasis. Mutations in a number of connexins lead to epidermal dysplasias giving rise to a range of dermatological disorders of differing severity. 'Gain of function' mutations reveal connexin‐mediated roles in calcium signalling within the epidermis. Connexins are involved in epidermal innate immunity, inflammation control and in wound repair. The therapeutic potential of targeting connexins to improve wound healing responses is now clear. This review discusses the role of connexins in epidermal integrity, and examines the emerging evidence that connexins act as epidermal sensors to a variety of mechanical, temperature, pathogen‐induced and chemical stimuli. Connexins thus act as an integral component of the skin's protective barrier.