gap junction protein beta 2
Last updated 3 Apr 2025
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The GJB2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called gap junction beta 2, more commonly known as connexin 26. Connexin 26 is a member of the connexin protein family. Connexin proteins form channels called gap junctions that permit the transport of nutrients, charged atoms (ions), and signaling molecules between adjoining cells. The size of the gap junction and the types of particles that move through it are determined by the particular connexin proteins that make up the channel. Gap junctions made with connexin 26 transport potassium ions and certain small molecules.
Normal function
The GJB2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called gap junction beta 2, more commonly known as connexin 26. Connexin 26 is a member of the connexin protein family. Connexin proteins form channels called gap junctions that permit the transport of nutrients, charged atoms (ions), and signaling molecules between adjoining cells. The size of the gap junction and the types of particles that move through it are determined by the particular connexin proteins that make up the channel. Gap junctions made with connexin 26 transport potassium ions and certain small molecules.
Connexin 26 is found in cells throughout the body, including the inner ear. Because of its presence in the inner ear, especially the snail-shaped structure called the cochlea, researchers are interested in this protein's role in hearing. Hearing requires the conversion of sound waves to electrical nerve impulses. This conversion involves many processes, including maintenance of the proper level of potassium ions in the inner ear. Some studies indicate that channels made with connexin 26 help to maintain the correct level of potassium ions. Other research suggests that connexin 26 is required for the maturation of certain cells in the cochlea.
Connexin 26 is also found in the skin. It is thought to play a role in the growth, maturation, and stability of the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
CX26
CXB2_HUMAN
DFNA3
DFNB1
gap junction protein, beta 2, 26kDa
NSRD1
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Further reading and references
- gap junction protein beta 2; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Ke Y, Liu X, Sun Y. Regulatory mechanisms of connexin26. Neuroscience. 2025 Mar 27;570:9-15. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.02.027. Epub 2025 Feb 14.
- Marlin S, Feldmann D, Blons H, Loundon N, Rouillon I, Albert S, Chauvin P, Garabedian EN, Couderc R, Odent S, Joannard A, Schmerber S, Delobel B, Leman J, Journel H, Catros H, Lemarechal C, Dollfus H, Eliot MM, Delaunoy JL, David A, Calais C, Drouin-Garraud V, Obstoy MF, Goizet C, Duriez F, Fellmann F, Helias J, Vigneron J, Montaut B, Matin-Coignard D, Faivre L, Baumann C, Lewin P, Petit C, Denoyelle F. GJB2 and GJB6 mutations: genotypic and phenotypic correlations in a large cohort of hearing-impaired patients. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Jun;131(6):481-7. doi: 10.1001/archotol.131.6.481.
- Morris JA, Gonzalez T, Blanton SH, Angeli SI, Liu XZ. GJB2-Related Hearing Loss: Genotype-Phenotype Correlations, Natural History, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Jan 3;27(1):491. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010491.
- Sanchez HA, Verselis VK. Aberrant Cx26 hemichannels and keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome: insights into syndromic hearing loss. Front Cell Neurosci. 2014 Oct 27;8:354. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00354. eCollection 2014.
- Smith RJH, Azaiez H, Booth K. GJB2-Related Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss. 1998 Sep 28 [updated 2023 Jul 20]. In: Adam MP, Bick S, Mirzaa GM, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2026. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1272/
- Tsukada K, Nishio SY, Hattori M, Usami S. Ethnic-specific spectrum of GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations: their origin and a literature review. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2015 May;124 Suppl 1:61S-76S. doi: 10.1177/0003489415575060.
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