Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
Gap junction beta-5 protein (GJB5), also known asconnexin-31.1 (Cx31.1), is aprotein that in humans is encoded by theGJB5gene.[5]
Gap junctions are conduits that allow the direct cell-to-cell passage of small cytoplasmic molecules, including ions, metabolic intermediates, and second messengers, and thereby mediate intercellular metabolic and electrical communication. Gap junction channels consist ofconnexin protein subunits, which are encoded by a multigene family.[5]
This article incorporates text from theUnited States National Library of Medicine, which is in thepublic domain.