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 of connexin protein subunits, which are encoded by a multigene family. GJBs (gap-junction proteins or connexins) play crucial functional roles associated with these channels. Immunohistochemical staining of human cochlear cells demonstrated high levels of GJB2 expression. Mutations in GJB2 are associated with genetically derived hearing impairments, including autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness.

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