Research advances of connexin 43 in astrocytes in epilepsy
FENG Lan-lan
GAO Xue-jun
MA Lei
Abstract：Connexin 43(CX43),a transmembrane protein ubiquitously present in the central nervous system,participates in the functional and metabolic coupling between neurons and astrocytes via two pathways,namely gap junction channels(GJCs)and hemichannels(HCs).GJCs primarily account for direct intercellular communication,while HCs mediate the exchange of substances between the intracellular and extracellular milieus.Research indicates that in tissue sections of epileptic foci from patients with epilepsy and in animal models of epilepsy,both the expression pattern and functional coupling of CX43 have undergone marked alterations.Specifically manifested as a reduction in the quantity of GJCs and excessive activation of HCs,these changes play a crucial role in the genesis,development,and perpetuation of epilepsy.Further studies have revealed that the application of CX43 blockers can effectively ameliorate the symptoms of epileptic seizures,suggesting that CX43 might be a potential therapeutic target for controlling epileptic seizures.This article aims to review the role of CX43 in astrocytes in the pathological mechanism of epilepsy and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Keywords：EpilepsyAstrocyteConnexin 43Gap junctionsHemichannels
Publication Date：2024-11-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 690-695 )