MicroRNAs as regulators of connexin-43 expression

Abstract

Posttranscriptional regulation of the biosynthesis of connexins, the building blocks of gap junctional channels, may occur by modulation of connexin mRNA stability and translation. To date, few RNA binding proteins and micro-RNAs (miRNAs) affecting connexin expression are known. In recent years, it has become clear that epigenetic processes are also essentially involved in connexin gene expression. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on regulation of connexin expression by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms including microRNA.