Article Text
Heart review
Connexin 43 signalling and cardioprotection
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) 43 is the predominant protein forming gap junctions and non-junctional hemichannels in ventricular myocardium. The Cx43 proteins are central to the cardioprotection afforded by ischaemic preconditioning (IP). The specific role of mitochondrial C×43 in protection by IP is reviewed.
- Cx, connexin
- IP, ischaemic preconditioning
- PKC, protein kinase C
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- TOM, translocase of the outer membrane