Structural determinants of connexin specificity

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Connexins are proteins that assemble together to make tiny channels in the cell membrane. These channels allow cells to pass small molecules between one another, coordinating their functions. When connexin channels don't work properly, diseases can result- including male infertility. There are at least 20 different types of connexins and the channels they form have different properties. Different types of connexins are found in different cells, including within the male sex organs, suggesting that the different connexins perform unique functions in each different cell type. This research is aimed at finding out which parts of the connexin protein are most important for the specific functions it performs in the male sex organs. This information could be very important for designing treatments for diseases such as male infertility that are caused by connexin malfunction.