Document Detail


Connexins as therapeutic targets in lung disease.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21585238     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Introduction: The lung is a mechanically active system exposed to the external environment and is particularly sensitive to injury and inflammation. Studies have identified intercellular communication pathways that promote proper lung function in response to injury and disease. These pathways involve connexins (Cxs) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Areas covered in this review: The functional expression of Cxs in airway epithelium and vasculature, under normal and pathological conditions, is reviewed. Inhibition of GJIC and/or silencing of Cxs have been shown to modulate the course of disease development. Cx-based channels: i) coordinate ciliary beating and fluid transport to promote clearance of particulates, ii) regulate secretion of pulmonary surfactant, in response to deep inhalation by interconnecting type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells, and iii) are key mediators of pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling by the pulmonary endothelium, in order to modulate leukocyte recruitment from the circulation. Expert opinion: Cx-based channels play several central roles in promoting a regulated inflammatory response and facilitating lung repair, thus enabling the pulmonary epithelium and vasculature to behave as integrated systems. Several pathologies can disrupt the normal communication pathways required for proper lung function, including acute lung injury, asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and cancer.
Authors:
Davide Losa; Marc Chanson; Sophie Crespin
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-5-17
Journal Detail:
Title:  Expert opinion on therapeutic targets     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1744-7631     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-5-18     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101127833     Medline TA:  Expert Opin Ther Targets     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Foundation for Medical Research , Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, 64 Avenue de la Roseraie, 1211 Geneva , Switzerland +1 4122 37 24 611 ; +1 4122 22 34 75 979 ; Marc.Chanson@hcuge.ch.
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