Publication: Role of connexin 43 in odontogenesis and odontogenic tumors
Authors
Ronell Bologna Molina
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Publisher
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Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.14670/HH-25-002
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a transmembrane
protein forming gap junctions essential for intercellular
communication, regulating ion and molecule exchange,
and coordinating key developmental and pathological
processes. In odontogenesis, Cx43 expression in
ameloblasts and odontoblasts orchestrates differentiation,
mineralization, and tissue repair. Its dynamic regulation
influences enamel and dentin formation, while altered
expression is linked to defective tooth development.
Beyond dental tissues, Cx43 participates in craniofacial
morphogenesis and bone remodeling. In odontogenic
tumors, Cx43 shows heterogeneous expression patterns,
reflecting its role in tumor architecture, differentiation,
and aggressiveness. High mesenchymal expression is
seen in ameloblastic fibromas and fibro-odontomas,
whereas follicular ameloblastomas and odontogenic
keratocysts exhibit downregulation, particularly in basal
cells, correlating with increased proliferation, anti
apoptosis, and autophagy markers. These variations in
odontogenic tumors suggest that Cx43 may act as a
tumor suppressor by maintaining epithelial organization
and regulating cell polarity. Molecularly, Cx43 interacts
with MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin
pathways, influencing cell cycle control, apoptosis, and
epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Loss of Cx43
disrupts gap junctional intercellular communication,
potentially enhancing tumor progression. Therapeutically,
modulating Cx43 could inhibit tumor angiogenesis,
restore normal growth control, and promote
differentiation toward less aggressive phenotypes.
However, given its dual role in tumor suppression and
tissue repair, targeted interventions must be context
specific. Cx43 emerges as a promising diagnostic,
prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker in different
neoplasias, warranting further investigation to optimize
clinical applications. The objective of this work is to
review current information on the role of CX43 in normal tissue and odontogenic tumors to evaluate its possible
usefulness as a future therapeutic target.
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