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