Gap junctions are usually found in clusters and enable intercellular communication by allowing the passage of small molecules between cells. They play important roles in different biological processes. These include differentiation, cell cycle synchronization, cellular development, neuronal activity and the immune response.nDue to their important roles, mutations in connexins are linked with a number of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, skin diseases and developmental abnormalities. Mutations in the gene encoding for Connexin-26 protein are associated with deafness.
