Connexin, Pannexin1: A novel therapeutic target for acute liver injury

Gap junction intercellular communication(GJIC) plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the liver and liver function. The dysfunction of gap junction can cause abnormal cell differentiation, cell death, inflammation, fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In recent years, more and more evidences have shown that the expression of Connexins and Pannexin1(Panx1) are changed and disorders of intercellular communication in acute liver injury. Based on Connexin, Panx1, gap junction, and channel inhibitors were summaried in this paper, which may provide new perspectives and potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of actue liver injury.