Dear Colleagues,

Intercellular communication plays essential roles in several physiological and pathological processes. One of the most important mechanisms for intercellular communication in mammalian cells is the one mediated by Connexin or Pannexins. Those proteins constitute families of transmembrane proteins, which form gap junction channels and/or hemichannels, which communicate the cytoplasm of contacting cells or allow the sharing of small molecules such as ATP and glutamate between the cytoplasm of contacting cells or between the intra the extracellular milieu, respectively. Under physiological conditions gap junctions coordinate metabolic and electrical cell responses, whereas hemichannels present low activity under resting conditions and present transient increases upon specific changes in the microenvironment. In contrast, under pathological conditions, the activity of gap junction is drastically diminished and that of hemichannels is augmented. Functional homologous channels have been found in insects (innexins) and unicellular organisms such as Trypanosoma cruzi (Unnexins). The study of these proteins (structurally and functionally) has been fundamental for the understanding of the basis of several human diseases (e.g., deafness neurodegenerative disease, neurodevelopmental diseases, and neuromuscular diseases), and this knowledge has promoted the discovery of new tools to improve cell and tissue functions.

Since 1993, Chilean scientists have contributed enormously to the understanding of how these proteins work, thanks to the use of diverse techniques such as molecular biology, cellular biology, electrophysiology, cell models, and molecular dynamics, among many others. Close to 80 Chilean scientists attended the first summit of Connexins/Pannexns/Innexins and Unnexins performed at Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD), Santiago, Chile on January 16, 2023. They cover a wide range of interesting issues related to the regulation, function, and relevance of cell-cell communication proteins including drug design to selectively affect the functional state of the channels. This event was proposed to be celebrated every two years at different Chilean academic institutions and will be open to everyone interested in participating.

This Special Issue welcomes submissions of manuscripts, original research, comprehensive reviews, communications on this topic, and the extended and expanded versions of the Proceedings papers from the summit.

Dr. Mauricio A. Retamal
Prof. Dr. Juan Carlos Saéz
Guest Editors

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• gap junctions
• hemichannels
• connexins
• pannexins
• innexins
• unnexins
• paracrine
• autocrine