Fig. 1
From: The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer
a Structure of connexins (Cxs). Cxs contain a cytoplasmic N-terminus, four transmembrane domains, two extracellular loops (EL1 and EL2), a cytoplasmic loop, and a cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus tail. b Six Cxs assemble into a hemichannel, which is a hollow structure. c Hemichannels of two adjacent cells connect in a head-to-head manner to form gap junctions (GJs). The exchange of various substances mediated by GJs is called gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC)