Connexin 43 (Cx43) Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer

Connexins constitutes a family of structurally related transmembrane proteins that connect two adjacent cells by forming gap junctions. Connexins are multi- functional proteins with diverse role in the cell physiology. Connexin 43 is an important gap junction protein in vertebrates and is known for its tumor suppressive properties. Connexin 43 plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and is important for maintainance of tissue homeostasis. Cx43 is abundantly expressed in the human intestinal epithelial cells and muscularis mucosae. Therefore, loss of Cx43 protein may be associated with a role of this protein in the carcinogenic process of colorectal cancer. The down regulation of Cx43 expression in the human colorectal strongly supports the role of this protein in regulating cell growth. It provide a significant insight about the tumor suppressive properties of the Cx43 and its potential as a diagnostic marker for detecting colorectal cancer.