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The “Connexin” Between Bone Cells and Skeletal Functions
Author(s) -
Zappitelli Tanya,
Aubin Jane E.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.24836
Subject(s) - connexin , gap junction , microbiology and biotechnology , bone resorption , bone cell , bone remodeling , skeleton (computer programming) , osteocyte , cell , crosstalk , cell type , biology , chemistry , neuroscience , anatomy , osteoblast , endocrinology , genetics , in vitro , intracellular , physics , optics
The processes of bone modeling and remodeling are crucial in the skeleton's functions as a supportive and protective structure, a mineral reservoir, and an endocrine organ. The coordination between bone cell activities (bone formation and bone resorption), necessary to maintain the integrity of the skeleton during these processes, is mediated at least in part by cell–cell and cell–environment interactions across gap junctions and hemichannels. The increasing number of genetically engineered Connexin 43 (Cx43) knockout and missense mouse models have provided insight into the complex and critical roles of Cx43‐containing gap junctions and hemichannels in the development and turnover of the skeleton, in differentiation, activity and survival of the bone cell lineages, and in the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Cx43 functions and assists in mediating cellular responses to stimuli in bone. Cx43 may be an important potential therapeutic target, making it crucial that we continue to gain understanding of the multiple and complex roles of Cx43 in bone. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1646–1658, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.