Gap junction

Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections that form channels between adjacent cells, allowing the direct exchange of small molecules and ions from the cytoplasm of one cell to another[2][3]. These channels are composed of protein complexes called connexons, each made up of six connexin proteins. Gap junctions enable rapid and bidirectional electrical and metabolic communication between cells. They play a critical role in tissues requiring synchronized activity such as cardiac and smooth muscle by permitting the spread of electrical signals for coordinated contraction[1][3]. In non-excitable tissues, they facilitate metabolic cooperation by allowing nutrients and waste products to move between cells. Gap junction permeability is dynamically regulated according to cellular conditions[3]. **Note:** "Gap junction-mediated intercellular cytosolic traffic" is not a canonical molecular target but rather describes a biological process or mechanism mediated by gap junctions. The correct entity for structured data would be "Gap junction." This entry does not refer to a single protein or receptor but rather an intercellular structure formed by multiple proteins (connexins), so it is not considered a therapeutic target in the conventional sense[2][3].

Other names

Electrical synapseMacula communicansNexus