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Gap junctions are collections of intercellular channels that allow ions and other tiny molecules to move directly between cells. [1] [14] These junctions are made up of a number of gap junction channels that consist of two connexons, each with six protein subunits called connexin, and a gene family of nearly 20 members encodes the connexins found in mammals [14] [15]
Gap junctions were first described as close appositions as other tight junctions, but following electron microscopy studies in 1967, they were renamed gap junctions to distinguish them from tight junctions. [2] They bridge a 2-4 nm gap between cell membranes. [3] Gap junctions use protein complexes known as connexons to
Gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), also known as connexin 43 (Cx43), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GJA1 gene on chromosome 6. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] As a connexin , GJA1 is a component of gap junctions , which allow for gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between cells to regulate cell death , proliferation , and ...
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.
Phosphorylation of gap junctions and their subunits is typically achieved through protein kinases, enzymes that add phosphates to the amino acids of proteins. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] Serine/threonine kinases , which phosphorylate the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine residues, form the bulk of the Connexin phosphorylation kinases.
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]
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 ...