Figure 4. Connexin dysregulation in AF.
Dysfunction of the connexins that ensure cell-to-cell coupling in gap junctions results from connexin (Cx) downregulation or lateralization to transverse cell-borders. The moecular mechanisms governing these changes are illustrated. Abbreviations: Ang-II, angiotensin-II, AT1R, angiotensin-receptor type-1; CaMKII, Ca2+-calmodulin dependent kinase type-II; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein-kinase; P, phosphate; PKA, PKC, PKG, protein-kinases A, C, G respectively; ROS, reactive-oxygen species.