Connexins in Lung Cancer and Brain Metastasis

Kai Jun Luo, Chang Xu Chen, Jia Peng Yang, Yun Chao Huang, Eduardo R. Cardenas, Jean X. Jiang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Connexins (Cxs) are involved in the brain metastasis of lung cancer cells. Thus, it is necessary to determine whether gap junction-forming Cxs are involved in the communication between lung cancer cells and the host cells, such as endothelial cells, forming the brain–blood-barrier, and cells in the central nervous system. Data from multiple studies support that Cxs function as tumor suppressors during lung cancer occurrence. However, recent evidence suggests that during metastasis to the brain, cancer cells establish communication with the host. This review discusses junctional or non-junctional hemichannel studies in lung cancer development and brain metastasis, highlighting important unanswered questions and controversies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number599383
JournalFrontiers in Oncology
Volume10
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 23 2020

Keywords

  • astrocytes
  • connexin
  • endothelial cells
  • gap junction
  • hemichannel
  • lung cancer brain metastasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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