Barnes TM, Starich TA, Hekimi S, Avery L, Shaw JE, Wyman RJ, Phelen P, Curtin KA, Ford C, Stebbings LA, Baines RA, Todman M, Lee RYN, Bacon JP, Davies JA, Sun Y-a
[
Trends Genet,
1998]
In vertebrates, intercellular communication via gap junctions is mediated by the connexin family of molecules, which is made up of at least 13 members. These proteins, which have four transmembrane domains and intracellular C- and N-termini, oligomerize to form hemichannels. Oligomers in the adjacent membranes of two closely apposed cells 'dock' to form intercellular channels, through which ions and small molecules move.