Gap-Junction Channels Dysfunction in Deafness and Hearing Loss

Martínez AD; Acuña R.; Figueroa, V.; Maripillán J; Nicholson B.

Abstract

Gap-junction channels connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, allowing the diffusion of ions and small metabolites. They are formed at the appositional plasma membranes by a family of related proteins named connexins. Mutations in connexins 26, 31, 30, 32, and 43 have been associated with nonsyndromic or syndromic deafness. The majority of these mutations are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, but a few of them have been associated with dominantly inherited hearing loss. Mutations in the connexin26 gene (GJB2) are the most common cause of genetic deafness. This review summarizes the most relevant and recent information about different mutations in connexin genes found in human patients, with emphasis on GJB2. The possible effects of the mutations on channel expression and function are discussed, in addition to their possible physiologic consequences for inner ear physiology. Finally, we propose that connexin channels (gap junctions and hemichannels) may be targets for age-related hearing loss induced by oxidative damage. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2009.

Más información

Título según WOS: Gap-Junction Channels Dysfunction in Deafness and Hearing Loss
Título según SCOPUS: Gap-junction channels dysfunction in deafness and hearing loss
Título de la Revista: Antioxidants and Redox Signaling
Volumen: 11
Número: 2
Editorial: Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Fecha de publicación: 2009
Página de inicio: 309
Página final: 322
Idioma: eng
URL: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ars.2008.2138
DOI:

10.1089/ars.2008.2138

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS