[HTML][HTML] Connexins: Synthesis, post-translational modifications, and trafficking in health and disease

T Aasen, S Johnstone, L Vidal-Brime, KS Lynn… - International journal of …, 2018 - mdpi.com
International journal of molecular sciences, 2018mdpi.com
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate
direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and
homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-
independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is
under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and
undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which …
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which ultimately affects their trafficking, stability, and function. Here, we summarize these key regulatory events, with emphasis on how these affect connexin multifunctionality in health and disease.
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