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. There are at least 20 different types of connexins and the channels they form have different properties. Different types of connexin channels are found in different cells, suggesting that they perform unique functions in each different cell type. This research, conducted with mutant mice, is aimed at finding out which parts of the connexin protein are important for the specific functions it performs in the body. This information could be very important for designing agents to treat diseases caused by connexin dysfunction.