Gap junction delta-2 (GJD2), also known as connexin-36 (Cx36) or gap junction alpha-9 (GJA9), is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...

that in humans is encoded by the ''GJD2''

gene In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...

Function

This gene is a member of the large family of

connexin Connexins (Cx)TC# 1.A.24, or gap junction proteins, are structurally related transmembrane proteins that assemble to form vertebrate gap junctions. An entirely different family of proteins, the innexins, forms gap junctions in invertebrates. Eac ...

s that are required for the formation of

gap junction Gap junctions are membrane channels between adjacent cells that allow the direct exchange of cytoplasmic substances, such small molecules, substrates, and metabolites. Gap junctions were first described as ''close appositions'' alongside tight ...

s. Six connexin monomers form a hemichannel, or connexon, on the cell surface. This connexon can interact with a connexon from a neighboring cell, thus forming a channel linking the cytoplasm of the 2 cells.

Function

References

Further reading