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] .

2019年10月4日 · Gap junctions are a type of cell junction in which adjacent cells are connected through protein channels. These channels connect the cytoplasm of each cell and allow molecules, ions, and electrical signals to pass between them.

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 protein; GJA8, Cx50, gap junction …

Gap-junctional channels are composed of hexamers of medium-sized families of integral proteins: connexins in chordates and innexins in precordates. The functions of gap junctions have been explored by studying mutations in flies, worms, and humans, and …

2023年8月29日 · Gap junctions consist of two hemichannels, also known as connexons, embedded in the plasma membranes of adjacent cells with a 2-4 nm gap between them. Each connexon is composed of six connexin protein subunits forming a hexamer.

Gap junction channels facilitate the intercellular exchange of ions and small molecules. While this process is critical to all multicellular organisms, the proteins that form gap junction channels are not conserved. Vertebrate gap junctions are formed by connexins, while invertebrate gap junctions are formed by innexins.

Gap junctions (GJs) are the only known cellular structures that allow a direct cell-to-cell transfer of signaling molecules by forming densely packed arrays or “plaques” of hydrophilic channels that bridge the apposing membranes of neighboring cells.

2004年5月1日 · Gap junctions (Gj) form conduits between adjacent cells that are composed of connexin (Cx) protein subunits and allow direct intercellular communication. To date, the connexin gene family comprises 20 members in the mouse and 21 members in the human genome, 19 of which can be grouped as sequence-ort …

Gap junction proteins are large-diameter channels that allow the exchange of ions and molecules between adjacent cells. These proteins, composed of six subunits, form pores that connect the cytoplasm of neighboring cells, enabling the transmission of electrical signals and coordination of …

Gap junctions are high-permeability, low-ion-selectivity channels that allow for intercellular flux of ions and water-soluble molecules of up to 1000 Da. The individual gap junction is formed by two hemichannels (connexons), one from each cell, which are hexamers of the membrane proteins called connexins.