间隙连接(gap junction,GJ)是细胞膜上的通道结构,其介导的细胞间间隙连接通讯(gap junction intercellular communication,GJIC)对内环境的稳定、细胞生长调控及新陈代谢等起到重要的作用。间隙连接蛋白43(connexin43,Cx43)是哺乳动物细胞中分布最为广泛的间隙连接蛋白,越来越多的研究发现皮肤创伤后Cx43的表达会随着伤口愈合的过程发生动态变化,并影响伤口愈合的速率和质量,人为调控Cx43的表达水平会改善伤口愈合的速率和质量。主要就Cx43结构与功能、Cx43的水平对伤口愈合各阶段的影响及Cx43与慢性伤口的关系进行总结,以期为探索皮肤创伤,尤其是慢性伤口治疗新途径提供参考价值。
Gap junction is one of the most interesting and unique structures found between adjoining cells.Communication mediated by gap junction has important roles in internal environment homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and so on. Connexin 43(Cx43) is the most widely distributed connexin in mammals. A growing number of researches have found that the expression of Cx43 is dynamically changed with the progress of cutaneous wound healing. The structure and functions of Cx43,relationship of Cx43 with stages of cutaneous wound healing are summarized, in order to provide reference value to find new therapies for cutaneous wound, especially for chronic wound.