Connexins (Cxs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that assemble into groups of six, forming what is known as a connexon or a hemichannel. Connexins are named based on their molecular weight, e.g. Cx43 is the connexin protein that weighs 43 kDa. Two hemichannels, each from a different cell, can link up end-to-end forming a gap junction. In the nervous system, gap junctions facilitate metabolite exchange between neighboring cells, in addition to electrical and chemical impulses. Many animal studies have been conducted to investigate the role of different types of Cxs in spinal cord injury (SCI) - most notably Cx43 - and the potential for targeting them with inhibitors. In this review, the authors discuss these studies and provide an update on recent connexin specific pharmacological agents that may potentially pave the way for the use of connexin inhibition in the management of SCI in humans, if more translational studies are done.

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连接蛋白在脊髓损伤中的作用：更新

连接蛋白 (Cxs) 是一个跨膜蛋白家族，它们组装成六组，形成所谓的连接子或半通道。连接蛋白是根据它们的分子量命名的，例如 Cx43 是重 43 kDa 的连接蛋白。两个半通道，每个来自不同的细胞，可以端到端连接形成间隙连接。在神经系统中，除了电脉冲和化学脉冲外，间隙连接还促进相邻细胞之间的代谢物交换。已经进行了许多动物研究来研究不同类型的 Cxs 在脊髓损伤 (SCI) 中的作用 - 最显着的是 Cx43 - 以及用抑制剂靶向它们的潜力。在这次审查中，