GJB1 antibody [CXN-32]

Gap junctions are aggregations of intercellular channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Gap junctions coordinate cellular and organ function in tissues and are involved in metabolic cooperation between cells, synchronization of cellular physiological activities, growth control and developmental regulation. The gap junction channels allow intercellular exchange of ions, nucleotides and small molecules between adjacent cells. Unlike other membrane channels, intercellular channels span two plasma membranes and require the contribution of hemichannels, called connexons, from both participating cells. These channels are permeate to molecules as large as 1 kD, and they have been detected in virtually every cell type in mammals, except mature skeletal muscle, spermatozoa and erythrocytes. Two connexons interact in the extracellular space to form the complete intercellular channel. Each connexon is composed of six similar or identical proteins, which are termed connexins. Connexins (Cx) are a multi-gene family of highly related proteins ranging between molecular weights of 26 and 70 kD. At least a dozen distinct connexin genes have been identified and many are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Two distinct lineages have been identified in mammals. One termed class I or beta group to which Cx26, Cx30, Cx31, Cx31.1 and Cx32 belong, and the other termed class II or alpha group, represented by Cx33, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx46.