Connexins in Cancer, the Possible Role of Connexin46 as a Cancer Stem Cell-Determining Protein
Journal
Biomolecules
ISSN
2218-273X
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Isidora M. León-Fuentes
María G. Salgado-Gil
María S. Novoa
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
URL Institutional Repository
Abstract
<jats:p>Cancer is a widespread and incurable disease caused by genetic mutations, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis. Connexins (Cx) are transmembrane proteins that facilitate intercellular communication via hemichannels and gap junction channels. Among them, Cx46 is found mostly in the eye lens. However, in pathological conditions, Cx46 has been observed in various types of cancers, such as glioblastoma, melanoma, and breast cancer. It has been demonstrated that elevated Cx46 levels in breast cancer contribute to cellular resistance to hypoxia, and it is an enhancer of cancer aggressiveness supporting a pro-tumoral role. Accordingly, Cx46 is associated with an increase in cancer stem cell phenotype. These cells display radio- and chemoresistance, high proliferative abilities, self-renewal, and differentiation capacities. This review aims to consolidate the knowledge of the relationship between Cx46, its role in forming hemichannels and gap junctions, and its connection with cancer and cancer stem cells.</jats:p>
Cite this document
León-Fuentes, I. M., Salgado-Gil, M. G., Novoa, M. S., & Retamal, M. A. (2023). Connexins in cancer, the possible role of connexin46 as a cancer stem cell-determining protein. Biomolecules, 13(10), 1460. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13101460
Subjects
breast cancer
;
cancer stem cells
;
connexin46
;
gap junction channels
;
gja3
;
breast neoplasms
;
cell communication
;
connexins
;
female
;
gap junctions
;
humans
;
ion channels
;
lens, crystalline
;
clofazimine
;
connexin 43
;
connexin 46
;
gap junction protein
;
glutathione
;
ion channel
;
microrna
;
gap junction protein
;
ion channel
;
aggressiveness
;
amino acid sequence
;
apoptosis
;
breast cancer
;
cancer cell
;
cancer resistance
;
cancer stem cell
;
cell differentiation
;
cell migration
;
cell proliferation
;
cell self-renewal
;
gap junction
;
gene mutation
;
glioblastoma
;
human
;
hypoxia
;
intercellular signaling
;
melanoma
;
metastasis
;
phenotype
;
protein analysis
;
protein expression
;
protein function
;
review
;
tumor growth
;
breast tumor
;
cell communication
;
female
;
genetics
;
lens
;
metabolism