| Description | This peptide corresponds to the GAP27 domain of connexin. Connexins, or gap junctions, are a family of structurally related transmembrane proteins. Gap junctions contain channels that allow the passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. This intercellular communication has been implicated in coordinating cellular responses to intracellular signaling molecules. Calcium and inositol phosphates are among the second messengers that can pass through gap junction channels. This synthetic connexin-mimetic peptide, Gap 27, was used to evaluate the contribution of gap-junctional communication to osteoclastic bone resorption. It was concluded that gap-junctional communication is necessary for proper bone remodeling.
Gap27 serves as a selective and reversible blocker of Cx43-mediated gap junction (GJ) and hemichannel communication by mimicking part of the extracellular loop; it doesn't affect overall Cx43 protein expression. At concentrations around 50 μM, it inhibits GJ coupling in cell models like keratinocytes and HeLa cells expressing Cx43. Broadly, Gap27 is used to probe the role of gap junctions in processes including wound healing, bone resorption, and cardiac or vascular function.
Functional & Experimental Applications
- Wound healing: Enhances migration of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes—especially under hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic conditions—by reducing gap-junctional communication (CMC).
- Bone biology: Used to determine the necessity of GJ communication in osteoclastic bone resorption, demonstrating that functional gap junctions are essential for bone remodeling.
- Cardiovascular and cerebral roles: Applied to study Cx43 function in heart and vascular tissues, as well as in models of epilepsy.
- Gap junction modulators: Gap27 belongs to a class of connexin-mimetic peptides known to rapidly block Cx43-based GJs by mimicking the extracellular loop region.
Gap27 is a potent tool peptide, closely mimicking the extracellular loop of Connexin 43, to specifically and reversibly inhibit Cx43-mediated cell–cell communication. Its utility spans a wide array of biological investigations—from skin repair and bone remodeling to cardiac and vascular physiology. |
