Hekimi S, Phelen P, Avery L, Barnes TM, Shaw JE, Curtin KA, Lee RYN, Wyman RJ, Sun Y-a, Baines RA, Stebbings LA, Starich TA, Davies JA, Todman M, Ford C, Bacon JP
[
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.