Connexin 37 (CX37)

Gap junction alpha-4 protein is a component of gap junctions, which are composed of arrays of intercellular channels that provide a route for the diffusion of low molecular weight materials from cell to cell. Mutations in this gene have been associated with atherosclerosis and a higher risk of myocardial infarction.

Reed et al. (1993) used PCR amplification and cDNA library screening to clone DNA encoding the connexin 37 gap junction protein. The derived polypeptide contained 333 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of about 37 kD. RNA blots demonstrated that CX37 is expressed in multiple organs and tissues, including heart, uterus, ovary, and blood vessel endothelium, and in primary cultures of vascular endothelial cells.