Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels in Modulating Lens Redox Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress in Cataractogenesis. 2021

Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.

The lens is continuously exposed to oxidative stress insults, such as ultraviolet radiation and other oxidative factors, during the aging process. The lens possesses powerful oxidative stress defense systems to maintain its redox homeostasis, one of which employs connexin channels. Connexins are a family of proteins that form: (1) Hemichannels that mediate the communication between the intracellular and extracellular environments, and (2) gap junction channels that mediate cell-cell communication between adjacent cells. The avascular lens transports nutrition and metabolites through an extensive network of connexin channels, which allows the passage of small molecules, including antioxidants and oxidized wastes. Oxidative stress-induced post-translational modifications of connexins, in turn, regulates gap junction and hemichannel permeability. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of connexins gap junction channels and hemichannels may induce cataract formation through impaired redox homeostasis. Here, we review the recent advances in the knowledge of connexin channels in lens redox homeostasis and their response to cataract-related oxidative stress by discussing two major aspects: (1) The role of lens connexins and channels in oxidative stress and cataractogenesis, and (2) the impact and underlying mechanism of oxidative stress in regulating connexin channels.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries

Related Publications

Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
February 2021, Current osteoporosis reports,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
May 2012, Circulation,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
February 2009, Antioxidants & redox signaling,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
June 2015, Biochemical Society transactions,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
March 2018, Journal of cell science,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
November 2022, eLife,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
January 2014, Frontiers in physiology,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
February 2022, Biomedicines,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
October 2017, Brain research,
Yumeng Quan, and Yu Du, and Yuxin Tong, and Sumin Gu, and Jean X Jiang
January 2010, Physiological reviews,
Copied contents to your clipboard!