Connexin channel modulators and their mechanisms of action

Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by the connexin family of proteins play important roles in many aspects of tissue homeostasis in the brain and in other organs. In addition, connexin channels have been proposed as pharmacological targets in the treatment of a number of human disorders....

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inNeuropharmacology Vol. 75; pp. 517 - 524
Main Authors Verselis, Vytas K., Srinivas, Miduturu
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2013
Subjects
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

Loading…
More Information
Summary:Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by the connexin family of proteins play important roles in many aspects of tissue homeostasis in the brain and in other organs. In addition, connexin channels have been proposed as pharmacological targets in the treatment of a number of human disorders. In this review, we describe the connexin-subtype selectivity and specificity of pharmacological agents that are commonly used to modulate connexin channels. We also highlight recent progress made toward identifying new agents for connexin channels that act in a selective and specific manner. Finally, we discuss developing insights into possible mechanisms by which these agents modulate connexin channel function. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled ‘Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels’. •We provide an overview of the pharmacology of connexin channels.•We discuss the selectivity and specificity of commonly used inhibitors.•New methods to discover new modulators are highlighted.•The mechanisms and sites of action of drugs are discussed.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-3
content type line 23
ObjectType-Review-1
ISSN:0028-3908
1873-7064
DOI:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.020