Inter-platelet communication driving thrombus formation is regulated by extracellular calpain-1 cleavage of connexin 62.

Connexin (Cx) gap junction proteins are expressed by a multitude of cells and function as plasma membrane hemichannels or dock to form intercellular communication tunnels. Whilst Cx43 has garnered considerable attention, less is known about the structure and function of Cx62 channels. Platelets and megakaryocytes express Cx37, Cx40 and Cx62, which contribute to hemostatic and thrombotic responses.