Functional roles of connexins and pannexins in the kidney

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2015 Aug;72(15):2869-77. doi: 10.1007/s00018-015-1964-5. Epub 2015 Jun 17.

Abstract

Kidneys are highly complex organs, playing a crucial role in human physiopathology, as they are implicated in vital processes, such as fluid filtration and vasomotor tone regulation. There is growing evidence that gap junctions are major determinants of renal physiopathology. It has been demonstrated that their expression or channel activity may vary depending on physiological and pathological situations within distinct renal compartments. While some studies have focused on the role of connexins in renal physiology, our knowledge regarding the functional relevance of pannexins is still very limited. In this paper, we provide an overview of the involvement of connexins, pannexins and their channels in various physiological processes related to different renal compartments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication / physiology
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism*
  • Gap Junctions / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Kidney / physiology*

Substances

  • Connexins
  • Ion Channels