Rabbit Anti-Connexin 43 Antibody from MyBioSource.com

Gap junction proteins allow the intercellular communication among adjacent cells by passing through small molecules less than 1kDa. It is very important in regulating embryonic development, excitable cell contraction, tissue homeostasis, and normal cell growth and differentiation. Gap junctions are composed of integral membrane proteins from the connexin gene family. Approximately 20 members have been cloned and characterized in humans. During intercellular channel formation, six connexin proteins oligomerize into a hemi-channel or connexon followed by connexon trafficking to the plasma membrane. The intact channel is formed when one hemi-channel docks with a second in an opposing cell. Once assembled, groups of these intercellular channels (termed gap junctional plaques) mediate the passage of amino acids, second messengers, and other metabolites between the connected cytoplasmic domains. The channels can be gated in response to various stimuli, including changes in voltage, pH, and connexin phosphorylation. Regulation of gap junctional communication could occur by controlling any one of the steps mentioned above. Phosphorylation of members of the connexin family of gap junction proteins has been correlated with gap junction assembly