Gjb1 - gap junction protein, beta 1

This gene is a member of the gap junction protein (connexin) family. The encoded protein is a component of gap junctions, which are composed of arrays of intercellular channels that provide a route for the diffusion of ions and small molecules between cells. Mutations in a similar gene in human cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited peripheral neuropathy. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2014]