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Connexins 36 and 43 in the Central Nervous System: From Neurophysiology to Neuropathology
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Sahel Motaghi    |
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Abstract: (5 Views) |
Connexins are vital membrane proteins that enable direct exchange of ions and small molecules between cells in the central nervous system (CNS) through the formation of gap junctions. Among them, Connexin 36 (CX36) and Connexin 43 (CX43) are most prominent in neurons and astrocytes, respectively, and play a key role in regulating the synchronicity of neural activities, maintaining ionic homeostasis, and metabolic and inflammatory responses. Mounting evidence suggests that alterations in the expression or function of these connexins are associated with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, ischemic injury, and Huntington's disease. These changes can both exacerbate pathological consequences and offer promising therapeutic targets. This article, by comprehensively reviewing recent studies in the time frame of 1999 to 2025 in scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, along with the use of keywords Connexin 36, Connexin 43, CNS Neurodegenerative diseases, Epilepsy, Depression, Anxiety, Ischemia, Parkinson, and Huntington’s disease, elucidates the physiological and pathophysiological roles of Connexins 36 and 43 and explores future perspectives in the therapeutic exploitation of these proteins.
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| Keywords: Central nervous system, Connexin 36, Connexin 43, Neuropathology, Neurophysiology |
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Full-Text [PDF 620 kb]
(4 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review Article -by invitation |
Subject:
Neuroscience
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