NCIt definition : A humanized agonistic monoclonal antibody targeting connexin43 (Cx43; gap junction
alpha-1 protein) hemichannels, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration,
Cx43 agonistic monoclonal antibody ALMB-0168 binds to the extracellular domain of
Cx43 and activates the Cx43 hemichannels expressed on osteocytes, but not those in
gap junctions. This causes the Cx43 hemichannels to open and release several factors
including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into the extracellular environment in the bone
and tumor-inhibiting cytokines. This may inhibit tumor cell growth and migration in
the bone. Cx43, mechanosensitive hemichannels highly expressed in osteocytes, plays
important roles in osteocytes functions by mediating the release of various signaling
molecules.;
Semantic type(s)