连接子蛋43(connexin 43,Cx43)是骨组织中主要的间隙连接(gap junction)蛋白和半通道(hemichannel)蛋白,由Cx43形成的间隙连接及半通道实现了骨组织细胞间的直接通讯。连接子蛋白对骨组织的正常发育、骨重建过程的建立与平衡是非常重要的。目前研究指出,Cx43不仅参与了骨组织的力学响应过程,也参与了二磷酸盐、甲状旁腺激素等药物对骨重建的调节过程。该文以骨组织细胞内信号传递途径的关键分子Cx43为对象,就其目前的研究现状作一综述。
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the main gap junction and hemichannel protein in bone cells. Cx43 formed gap junction and hemichannel directly allowing cell-cell communication, which is of importance in skeleton development and bone remodeling. Present researches have shown that Cx43 not only responds to mechanical and pharmaceutical stimulus, but also involves in bone remolding. This review summarized the current status of knowledge in this area of research.