Rat Connexin 43, CX43 ELI

Gap junction protein that acts as a regulator of bladder capacity.

A gap junction consists of a cluster of closely packed pairs of transmembrane Channels, the connexons, through which materials of low MW diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell.

Negative regulator of bladder functional capacity: acts by enhancing intercellular electrical and chemical transmission, thus sensitizing bladder muscles to cholinergic neural stimuli and causing them to contract (By similarity).

May play a role in cell growth inhibition through the regulation of NOV expression and localization (PubMed: 15181016).

Plays an essential role in gap junction communication in the ventricles (By similarity).