Having ascertained that Cx43 expression is increased in biopsy material from people with diabetes and kidney disease, and that this expression correlates with declining renal function, we utilised an in vitro model of DKD (Fig. 1d) to evaluate the role of Cx43 hemichannels in regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the efficacy of Tonabersat in blocking this response. This evidence concerns the gene GJA1 and diabetic kidney disease.