Gap junctions: basic structure and function.

Abstract excerpt

Gap junctions allow the exchange of ions, second messengers, and small metabolites between adjacent cells and are formed by two unrelated protein families, the pannexins and connexins. Mutations in connexin genes cause a variety of genetic disorders, implicating a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Association of congenital skin disorders to mutations in different connexins has underscored the importance of gap...

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