It is widely expressed in bone cell types and is most abundant in osteoblastic cells, which are characterized by their distinct function in the skeletal maturation stage.5, 6 Cx43 has a substantial effect on chondrocyte mechanotransduction and cell cycle.7, 8 Accumulating evidence suggests that Cx43 hemichannels mediate homeostasis in cartilage and that impaired Cx43 hemichannels contribute to the aetiology of joint diseases.9 The gene discussed is GJA1; the disease is arthropathy.