Connexins, a new target in wound treatment

Wound healing is a complex process requiring interaction between different cell types, each playing their part within the four main phases of wound healing. This process requires careful regulation, with communication between the different cell types via gap junction channels, which allow the passage of small molecules, including ions and second messengers, between cells. Gap junction protein (connexin) expression changes with the different stages of wound healing, playing important roles in regulating the process. The field of research looking into intercellular communication via gap junctions in skin and wound healing has shown encouraging results in experimental studies. As further developments and clinical studies are being carried out, practitioners should be introduced to this field, as a promising new wound treatment is currently in clinical trials. This paper aims to introduce practitioners to this field of study with a review of current available literature.