Gap Junction Protein Gamma 3 (GJC3)

GJc3 encodes a gap junction protein. The encoded protein, also known as a connexin, plays a role in formation of gap junctions, which provide direct connections between neighboring cells. Mutations in this gene have been reported to be associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss.One gap junction consists of a cluster of closely packed pairs of transmembrane channels, the connexons, through which materials of low MW diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell.In the peripheral nervous system, Cx29 expression preceded that of Cx32 and declined to levels below that of Cx32 in adulthood. In adult sciatic nerve, Cx29 primarily localized to the innermost aspects of the myelin sheath, the paranode, the juxtaparanode, and the inner mesaxon. Cx29 colocalized with Kv1.2 (KCNA2) in axonal membranes.