The connexin family of channel-forming proteins is present in every tissue type in the human anatomy. Connexins are best known for forming clustered intercellular channels, structurally known as gap junctions, where they serve to exchange members of the metabolome between adjacent cells. In their single-membrane hemichannel form, connexins can act as conduits for the passage of small molecules in autocrine and paracrine signalling. Here, we review the roles of connexins in health and disease, focusing on the potential of connexins as therapeutic targets in acquired and inherited diseases as well as wound repair, while highlighting the associated clinical challenges.

通道形成蛋白的连接蛋白家族存在于人体解剖结构的每种组织类型中。连接蛋白最著名的是形成簇状的细胞间通道，在结构上称为间隙连接，在这里它们用于在相邻细胞之间交换代谢组的成员。连接蛋白以其单膜半通道形式，可以充当小分子在自分泌和旁分泌信号传导中通过的通道。在这里，我们回顾了连接蛋白在健康和疾病中的作用，重点介绍了连接蛋白在获得性和遗传性疾病以及伤口修复中作为治疗靶标的潜力，同时重点介绍了相关的临床挑战。