LYMPHATIC COMMUNICATION: CONNEXIN JUNCTION, WHAT’S YOUR FUNCTION?

Abstract

This article reviews recent findings onexpression and function of connexin proteins– the structural subunits of gap junctionintercellular channels in the lymphaticvasculature – both during development and inthe mature lymphatic vessel. Highlighted inparticular are recent mouse connexinknockout studies which show that connexinsare crucial for normal lymphatic development.We discuss, in general terms, both channeldependentas well as channel-independentfunctions of connexins and raise some of themany unanswered questions about themechanism(s) of action and physiological rolesof connexins in the lymphatic vasculature.