Paracrine signaling through plasma membrane hemichannels

► Connexin and pannexin form unapposed hemichannels in the plasma membrane. ► Hemichannels are activated by a variety of (patho)physiological stimuli. ► Substances released via hemichannels participate in paracrine signaling cascade. ► Interplay of hemichannels with intercellular signaling opens a new pathway to coordinate cellular events.