Connexin Hemichannels: Methods and Protocols

This volume explores the latest developments in the study of connexin hemichannels (HCs). The chapters in this book cover topics such as purification, reconstitution, and functional analysis of connexin HCs; spatial and temporal localization of connexins in cells using confocal microscopy; evaluation of connexin HC activity in vivo; generation of connexin-expressing stable cell pools; and automated assessment of cutaneous pathology in a mouse model of HC dysfunction. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Connexin Hemichannels: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that discusses the importance of HCs as drug targets, and how studying them is essential to identifying newcompounds capable of modulating HC function selectively and specifically.