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Connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that assemble into gap junction channels (GJCs) and hemichannels (HCs). Previous researches support the involvement of Rho GTPases and actin microfilaments in the trafficking of Cxs, formation of GJCs plaques, and regulation of channel activity. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether distinct types of Cxs HCs and GJCs respond differently to Rho GTPases or changes in actin polymerization/depolymerization dynamics. Our investigation revealed that inhibiting RhoA, a small GTPase that controls actin polymerization, or disrupting actin microfilaments with cytochalasin B (Cyto-B), resulted in reduced GJCs plaque size at appositional membranes and increased transport of HCs to non-appositional plasma membrane regions. Notably, these effects were consistent across different Cx types, since Cx26 and Cx43 exhibited similar responses, despite having distinct trafficking routes to the plasma membrane. Functional assessments showed that RhoA inhibition and actin depolymerization decreased the activity of Cx43 GJCs while significantly increasing HC activity. However, the functional status of GJCs and HCs composed of Cx26 remained unaffected. These results support the hypothesis that RhoA, through its control of the actin cytoskeleton, facilitates the transport of HCs to appositional cell membranes for GJCs formation while simultaneously limiting the positioning of free HCs at non-appositional cell membranes, independently of Cx type. This dynamic regulation promotes intercellular communications and reduces non-selective plasma membrane permeability through a Cx-type dependent mechanism, whereby the activity of Cx43 HCs and GJCs are differentially affected but Cx26 channels remain unchanged.

Se realizó una investigación acción participativa con jóvenes de un barrio periférico de Medellín, mediada por la investigación narrativa, diálogo de saberes e investigación temática que propone la educación popular. Las fases del proceso fueron: formulación de una pregunta de investigación partiendo de la narración de historias de vida; identificación de situaciones límite y temas generadores para la acción; formación en técnicas y herramientas de investigación para que los/as jóvenes respondieran preguntas elaboradas por ellos/as; acción como resultado de la aplicación de las técnicas investigativas por parte del grupo de jóvenes. Este artículo destaca entre los resultados la experiencia de una joven de la comunidad, estudiante universitaria y la emergencia de su habitus como investigadora comunitaria y sujeto crítico con capacidad de producir conocimiento para transformar sus interrelaciones personales, comunitarias y su proyecto de vida.

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic started, the world continues to adapt to the profound effects that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had on our lives. As the global crisis took hold, many looked to the medical technology/device industry for guidance and solutions. All while the industry itself, was disrupting its own processes and activities. In order to evolve and deliver accelerated innovation the industry had to be agile, resilient and collaborative with the broader healthcare community and technology partners. Now comes a time when we will start to see what changes were temporary and which ones will become part of the new process, but one thing is certain, we will not be going back to where we were pre-pandemic.