Connexin-37 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody (ER1901-85)

UNIPROT #

P35212

PROTEIN NAME

Connexin-37

SYNONYMS

Connexin 37 antibody;Connexin-37 antibody;Cx37 antibody;CXA4_HUMAN antibody;Gap junction alpha 4 protein antibody;Gap junction alpha-4 protein antibody;gap junction protein, alpha 4 37kDa (connexin 37) antibody;gap junction protein, alpha 4, 37kD (connexin 37) antibody;Gap junction protein, alpha 4, 37kDa antibody;Gja4 antibody;OTTHUMP00000004181 antibody;OTTHUMP00000004182 antibody

SEQUENCE SIMILARITIES

Belongs to the connexin family. Alpha-type (group II) subfamily.

TISSUE SPECIFICITY

Expressed in multiple organs and tissues, including heart, uterus, ovary, and blood vessel endothelium.

SUBCELLULAR LOCATION

Cell junction, Cell membrane, Gap junction, Membrane.

FUNCTION

Connexins (Cxs) are a family of transmembrane proteins comprising 21 members in humans that forms gap junction channels (GJCs). Connexins are divided in four groups: α, β, γ and δ. Cx37 is also named α4 since it is the fourth connexin of the alpha group that was identified. Connexins do not function as single proteins; six connexins assemble into connexons (hemi-channels), and two connexons from neighboring cells dock in the extracellular space to form a full gap junction channel. Connexins are responsible for mediating direct communication between adjacent cells by the exchange of ions and small signaling molecules and cytosolic factors1,3. Their structure consists of four transmembrane helices, two extracellular loops, a cytoplasmic loop, a cytoplasmic NH2- and COOH-termini. Connexin-37 is encoded by the GJA4 gene and is expressed in vascular endothelial cells. The protein is responsible for regulating and controlling the growth, proliferation and regeneration of the vascular endothelium by mediating the signal transduction between smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Cx37 knockout mice have a tendency for developing endarterium atheromatous plaques4. Also, a polymorphism in the gene that encodes for Cx37, is associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction1.