Connexon

Connexon
Connexon
	Connexon and connexin structure
Details
Identifiers
Latin	connexona
TH	H1.00.01.1.02025
	Anatomical terminology

In biology, a connexon, also known as a connexin hemichannel, is an assembly of six proteins called connexins that form the pore for a gap junction between the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells. This channel allows for bidirectional flow of ions and signaling molecules.^[1] The connexon is the hemichannel supplied by a cell on one side of the junction; two connexons from opposing cells normally come together to form the complete intercellular gap junction channel. In some cells, the hemichannel itself is active as a conduit between the cytoplasm and the extracellular space, allowing the transference of ions and small molecules lower than 1-2 KDa. Little is known about this function of connexons besides the new evidence suggesting their key role in intracellular signaling.^[2] In still other cells connexons have been shown to occur in mitochondrial membranes and appear to play a role in heart ischaemia.^[3]

Connexons made of the same type of connexins are considered homomeric, while connexons made of differing types of connexins are heteromeric.^[4]

^ Cheung, Giselle; Chever, Oana; Rouach, Nathalie (2014-11-04). "Connexons and Pannexons: Newcomers in Neurophysiology". Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 8: 348. doi:10.3389/fncel.2014.00348. PMC 4219455. PMID 25408635.
^ Cite error: The named reference Herve was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Ruiz-Meana, M.; Rodríguez-Sinovas, A.; Cabestrero, A.; Boengler, K.; Heusch, G.; Garcia-Dorado, D. (2008). "Mitochondrial connexin43 as a new player in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury". Cardiovascular Research. 77 (2): 325–333. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvm062. PMID 18006437.
^ Wright, Josephine; Richards, Toby; Becker, David (2012-03-01). "Connexins And Diabetes". Cardiology Research and Practice. 2012: 496904. doi:10.1155/2012/496904. PMC 3303578. PMID 22536530.

[Cheung-1] Cheung, Giselle; Chever, Oana; Rouach, Nathalie (2014-11-04). "Connexons and Pannexons: Newcomers in Neurophysiology". Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 8: 348. doi:10.3389/fncel.2014.00348. PMC 4219455. PMID 25408635.

[Herve-2] Cite error: The named reference Herve was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[3] Ruiz-Meana, M.; Rodríguez-Sinovas, A.; Cabestrero, A.; Boengler, K.; Heusch, G.; Garcia-Dorado, D. (2008). "Mitochondrial connexin43 as a new player in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury". Cardiovascular Research. 77 (2): 325–333. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvm062. PMID 18006437.

[Wright-4] Wright, Josephine; Richards, Toby; Becker, David (2012-03-01). "Connexins And Diabetes". Cardiology Research and Practice. 2012: 496904. doi:10.1155/2012/496904. PMC 3303578. PMID 22536530.

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