Connexins in lymphatic vessel physiology and disease.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_495D231C9290
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Review (review): journal as complete as possible of one specific subject, written based on exhaustive analyses from published work.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Connexins in lymphatic vessel physiology and disease.
Journal
FEBS Letters
Author(s)
Meens M.J., Sabine A., Petrova T.V., Kwak B.R.
ISSN
1873-3468 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0014-5793
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2014
Volume
588
Number
8
Pages
1271-1277
Language
english
Abstract
Connexins are transmembrane proteins that form gap junction- and hemi-channels. Once inserted into the membrane, hemi-channels (connexons) allow for diffusion of ions and small molecules (<1kDa) between the extracellular space and the cytosol. Gap junction channels allow diffusion of similar molecules between the cytoplasms of adjacent cells. The expression and function of connexins in blood vessels has been intensely studied in the last few decades. In contrast, only a few studies paid attention to lymphatic vessels; convincing in vivo data with respect to expression patterns of lymphatic connexins and their functional roles have only recently begun to emerge. Interestingly, mutations in connexin genes have been linked to diseases of lymphatic vasculature, most notably primary and secondary lymphedema. This review summarizes the available data regarding lymphatic connexins. More specifically it addresses (i) early studies aimed at presence of gap junction-like structures in lymphatic vessels, (ii) more recent studies focusing on lymphatic connexins using genetically engineered mice, and (iii) results of clinical studies that have reported lymphedema-linked mutations in connexin genes.
Keywords
Connexin, Endothelial cell, Lymphedema, Gap junction
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
15/05/2014 9:12
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:56
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