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Gap junctions use protein complexes known as connexons to connect one cell to another. The proteins are called connexins. Gap junction proteins include the more than 26 types of connexin, and at least 12 non-connexin components that make up the gap junction complex or nexus. [4]
Connexins are commonly named according to their molecular weights, e.g. Cx26 is the connexin protein of 26 kDa. A competing nomenclature is the gap junction protein system, where connexins are sorted by their α (GJA) and β (GJB) forms, with additional connexins grouped into the C, D and E groupings, followed by an identifying number, e.g. GJA1 corresponds to Cx43.
Gap junction beta-1 protein (GJB1), also known as connexin 32 (Cx32), is a transmembrane protein that in humans is encoded by the GJB1 gene. [a] [5] Gap junction beta-1 protein is a member of the gap junction connexin family of proteins that regulates and controls the transfer of communication signals across cell membranes, primarily in the liver and peripheral nervous system. [6]
The gap junction itself is a structure that is a specialized transmembrane protein formed by a connexon hemichannel. [8] Cardiovascular disease and possibly type I and II diabetes, are each associated with a major protein connexin that makes up the gap junction.
A gap junction modulator is a compound or agent that either facilitates or inhibits the transfer of small molecules between biological cells by regulating gap junctions. [1] Various physiological processes including cardiac , neural or auditory , depend on gap junctions to perform crucial regulatory roles, and the modulators themselves are the ...
Gap junction proteins. Gap junction α (GJA) proteins. GJA1, Cx43, gap junction alpha-1 protein; GJA2, Cx38, gap junction alpha-2 protein; GJA3, Cx46, gap junction alpha-3 protein; GJA4, Cx37, gap junction alpha-4 protein; GJA5, Cx40, gap junction alpha-5 protein; GJA6, Cx33 gap junction alpha-6 protein; GJA7, Cx44.3-45.6, gap junction alpha-7 ...
The permeability of these junctions is dependent on a variety of factors including protein makeup of that junction, tissue type and signaling from the cells. [1] Tight junctions are made up of many different proteins. The four main transmembrane proteins are occludin, claudin, junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) and tricellulins. The ...
Gap junctions are conduits that allow the direct cell-to-cell passage of small cytoplasmic molecules, including ions, metabolic intermediates, and second messengers, and thereby mediate intercellular metabolic and electrical communication. Gap junction channels consist of connexin protein subunits, which are encoded by a multigene family. [5]