This gene encodes a gap junction protein. The encoded protein is known as a connexin, most of which form gap junctions that provide direct connections between neighboring cells.[5] However, Cx29, which is highly expressed in myelin-forming glial cells of the CNS and PNS, has not been documented to form gap junctions in any cell type. In both PNS and CNS myelinated axons, Cx29 is precisely colocalized with Kv1.2 voltage-gated K channels, where both proteins are concentrated in the juxtaparanode and along the inner mesaxon.[6] By freeze-fracture immunogold labeling electron microscopy, Cx29 is identified in abundant "rosettes" of transmembrane protein particles in the innermost layer of myelin, directly apposed to equally abundant immunogold-labeled Kv1.1 potassium channels, both in the juxtaparanodal axolemma and along the inner mesaxon.[7] A role in K handling during saltatory conduction is implied but not yet demonstrated.
Hong HM, Yang JJ, Su CC, Chang JY, Li TC, Li SY (February 2010). "A novel mutation in the connexin 29 gene may contribute to nonsyndromic hearing loss". Human Genetics. 127 (2): 191–9. doi:10.1007/s00439-009-0758-y. PMID19876648. S2CID7892178.
Ramchander PV, Panda KC, Panda AK (August 2010). "Mutations in the connexin 29 gene are not a major cause of nonsyndromic hearing impairment in India". Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers. 14 (4): 539–41. doi:10.1089/gtmb.2010.0026. PMID20632892.
Kleopa KA, Orthmann JL, Enriquez A, Paul DL, Scherer SS (September 2004). "Unique distributions of the gap junction proteins connexin29, connexin32, and connexin47 in oligodendrocytes". Glia. 47 (4): 346–57. doi:10.1002/glia.20043. PMID15293232. S2CID9498256.
Yang JJ, Wang WH, Lin YC, Weng HH, Yang JT, Hwang CF, Wu CM, Li SY (September 2010). "Prospective variants screening of connexin genes in children with hearing impairment: genotype/phenotype correlation". Human Genetics. 128 (3): 303–13. doi:10.1007/s00439-010-0856-x. PMID20593197. S2CID1423816.
Söhl G, Nielsen PA, Eiberger J, Willecke K (2003). "Expression profiles of the novel human connexin genes hCx30.2, hCx40.1, and hCx62 differ from their putative mouse orthologues". Cell Communication & Adhesion. 10 (1): 27–36. doi:10.1080/15419060302063. PMID12881038. S2CID225894.
Wang WH, Yang JJ, Lin YC, Yang JT, Chan CH, Li SY (2010). "Identification of novel variants in the Cx29 gene of nonsyndromic hearing loss patients using buccal cells and restriction fragment length polymorphism method". Audiology and Neuro-Otology. 15 (2): 81–7. doi:10.1159/000231633. PMID19657183. S2CID24962158.
