Gap Junction Protein Epsilon 1 (GJe1)

Multiple types of connexin (Cxs) products, including Cx26, Cx30, Cx31, and Cx43, are found by immunolabeling in the mature cochlea. The transcript of Cx29, a newly discovered member of Cx gene family, was also discovered in the cochlea by cDNA macroarray hybridization. However, the functional roles of Cx29 in the cochlea remain unclear.

GJE1 was detected in the cochlea neurons, spiral limbus, spiral ligament, organ of Corti, and stria vascularis using IHC analysis. Higher levels of Cx29 mRNA were found in spiral ligament and spiral limbus, whereas lower level in lateral wall. Knowledge of spatial distribution of Cx29 also allows the identification of candidate genes for deafness and provides important insight into mechanisms that lead to deafness due to mutations in Cx29 gene.