GJA1-20k, a Short Isoform of Connexin43, from Its Discovery to Its Potential Implication in Cancer Progression.

The Connexin43 transmembrane protein (Cx43), encoded by the gene, is a member of a multigenic family of proteins that oligomerize to form hemichannels and intercellular channels, allowing gap junctional intercellular communication between adjacent cells or communication between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Cx43 has long been shown to play a significant but complex role in cancer development, acting as a tumor suppressor and/or tumor promoter. The effects of Cx43 are associated with both channel-dependent and -independent functionalities and differ depending on the expression level, subcellular location and the considered stage of cancer progression.

Pannexin-1 in Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Regulates Lymphangiogenesis.

The molecular mechanisms governing the formation of lymphatic vasculature are not yet well understood. Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that form channels which allow for diffusion of ions and small molecules (<1 kDa) between the extracellular space and the cytosol. The expression and function of pannexins in blood vessels have been studied in the last few decades.

Enhancing tumor response to targeted chemotherapy through up-regulation of folate receptor α expression induced by dexamethasone and valproic acid.

Several folate-drug conjugates are currently undergoing clinical trials for application in oncology. However, the efficacy of folate-targeted therapy strongly depends on the folate receptor (FR) abundance at the surface of cancer cells. Recently, it has been postulated that up-regulation of FRα by means of chemo-sensitizing agents could enhance the anticancer activity of FR-drug conjugates.

Connexins, important players in the dissemination of prostate cancer cells.

Over the past 50years, increasing experimental evidences have established that connexins (Cxs) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) ensure an important role in both the onset and development of cancerous processes. In the present review, we focus on the impact of Cxs and GJIC during the development of prostate cancer (PCa), from the primary growth mainly localized in acinar glands and ducts to the distant metastasis mainly concentrated in bone. As observed in several other types of solid tumours, Cxs and especially Cx43 exhibit an ambivalent role with a tumour suppressor effect in the early stages and, conversely, a rather pro-tumoural profile for most of invasion and dissemination steps to secondary sites.