Target type: cellularcomponent
A cell-cell junction composed of pannexins or innexins and connexins, two different families of channel-forming proteins. [GOC:mah, GOC:mtg_muscle, ISBN:0815332181, PMID:22366062, Wikipedia:Gap_junction]
Gap junctions are specialized intercellular channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells. They are formed by the close apposition of plasma membranes from two cells, with a gap of 2-4 nanometers between them. The primary structural component of gap junctions is a protein complex called a connexon. Each connexon is composed of six identical protein subunits called connexins, arranged in a ring-like structure. Two connexons, one from each cell, align and dock together to form a gap junction channel. The channel allows for the passage of small molecules, including ions, second messengers, and metabolites, between the two cells. This intercellular communication plays a critical role in various physiological processes, such as coordinating the activity of cells in tissues, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and facilitating cell-cell signaling. The cellular component of gap junctions can be described as a specialized membrane domain where connexons are concentrated, forming a channel between the two cells. This domain is characterized by the presence of specific proteins and lipids, which contribute to the structural integrity and functional properties of the gap junction.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Pannexin-1 | A pannexin-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q96RD7] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Gap junction beta-2 protein | A gap junction beta-2 protein that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Gap junction alpha-1 protein | A gap junction alpha-1 protein that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P17302] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| probenecid | probenecid : A sulfonamide in which the nitrogen of 4-sulfamoylbenzoic acid is substituted with two propyl groups. Probenecid: The prototypical uricosuric agent. It inhibits the renal excretion of organic anions and reduces tubular reabsorption of urate. Probenecid has also been used to treat patients with renal impairment, and, because it reduces the renal tubular excretion of other drugs, has been used as an adjunct to antibacterial therapy. | benzoic acids; sulfonamide | uricosuric drug |
| kanamycin a | kanamycin : Kanamycin is a naturally occurring antibiotic complex from Streptomyces kanamyceticus that consists of several components: kanamycin A, the major component (also usually designated as kanamycin), and kanamycins B, C, D and X the minor components. Kanamycin: Antibiotic complex produced by Streptomyces kanamyceticus from Japanese soil. Comprises 3 components: kanamycin A, the major component, and kanamycins B and C, the minor components. | kanamycins | bacterial metabolite |