[HTML][HTML] Transduction of cell survival signals by connexin-43 hemichannels
Bisphosphonates, drugs used widely in the treatment of bone diseases, prevent osteoblast
and osteocyte apoptosis by a mechanism involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase
(ERK) activation. We report herein that hexameric connexin (Cx)-43 hemichannels, but not
gap junctions, are the essential transducers of the ERK-activating/anti-apoptotic effects of
bisphosphonates. Transfection of Cx-43, but not other Cxs, into Cx-43 naı̈ve cells confers
de novo responsiveness to the drugs. The signal-transducing property of Cx-43 requires the …
and osteocyte apoptosis by a mechanism involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase
(ERK) activation. We report herein that hexameric connexin (Cx)-43 hemichannels, but not
gap junctions, are the essential transducers of the ERK-activating/anti-apoptotic effects of
bisphosphonates. Transfection of Cx-43, but not other Cxs, into Cx-43 naı̈ve cells confers
de novo responsiveness to the drugs. The signal-transducing property of Cx-43 requires the …
