Gap junction protein, alpha 4, 37 kDa pseudogene

Gap junction proteins, such as those encoded by functional GJA4 (gap junction protein alpha 4), are transmembrane proteins that assemble to form gap junctions, specialized structures allowing direct communication between adjacent animal cells through the exchange of ions and small molecules[1][3][5]. However, "ENSG00000264050" is annotated as a **pseudogene** version of GJA4: it does not code for a functional protein product and is not known to form gap junctions or participate in any canonical cellular or physiological processes. As a result, it is **not considered a therapeutic target, nor does it have clinical, diagnostic, or drug-interaction relevance**. The correct and functional gene/protein (GJA4, also called connexin 37 or Cx37) should not be confused with this inactive pseudogene[1][3][5]. CRITICAL NOTES: - This is a **pseudogene**, meaning it is a DNA sequence similar to a known gene but generally nonfunctional in terms of protein-coding and biological activity. - It is **not a therapeutic target**. Standard references to "gap junction protein alpha 4" as a drug target refer to the functional GJA4 protein/gene (Ensembl: ENSG00000187513), **not** this pseudogene[1][3][5]. - Do not confuse the pseudogene "ENSG00000264050" or "LOC100421028" with the functional GJA4 gene. If your intention is to gather data on a druggable gap junction protein, use "gap junction protein alpha 4" / "GJA4" (Ensembl: ENSG00000187513), not the pseudogene.

Other names

Gap junction protein, alpha-4, 37kDa pseudogeneLOC100421028Gap junction alpha-4 pseudogene