Parity check by gap junctions maintains normal cardiac conduction in sinoatrial node

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Gap junctions (GJ) are intercellular pathway consisted of protein called connexins (Cx). Cx45 is distributed in whole heart in early embryonic stage and it is restricted in cardiac conduction system in the adult heart. We proposed that parity check by Cx45 is important to maintain normal cardiac conduction. To verify this hypothesis, we built region and time specific Cx45 knockout mice. Both in embryonic and adult heart, Cx45 knockout showed abnormal cardiac conduction. The data are in agreement with the hypothesis.