Gap junction alpha-8 protein
Function
Structural component of eye lens gap junctions (PubMed:18006672, PubMed:19756179). Gap junctions are dodecameric channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjoining cells. They are formed by the docking of two hexameric hemichannels, one from each cell membrane (By similarity). Small molecules and ions diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell via the central pore (PubMed:18006672, PubMed:19756179).
Involvement in disease
Cataract 1, multiple types
CTRCT1
An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. CTRCT1 includes congenital, zonular pulverulent, nuclear progressive, nuclear pulverulent, nuclear total, total, and posterior subcapsular types of cataract. Zonular or lamellar cataracts are opacities, broad or narrow, usually consisting of powdery white dots affecting only certain layers or zones between the cortex and nucleus of an otherwise clear lens. The opacity may be so dense as to render the entire central region of the lens completely opaque, or so translucent that vision is hardly if at all impeded. Zonular cataracts generally do not involve the embryonic nucleus, though sometimes they involve the fetal nucleus. Usually sharply separated from a clear cortex outside them, they may have projections from their outer edges known as riders or spokes. In some cases cataract is associated with microcornea without any other systemic anomaly or dysmorphism. Microcornea is defined by a corneal diameter inferior to 10 mm in both meridians in an otherwise normal eye.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the connexin family. Alpha-type (group II) subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Eye lens.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Cell junction
- Gap junction
Alternative names
Gap junction alpha-8 protein, Connexin-50, Lens fiber protein MP70, Cx50, GJA8