PathwayStep6397 PathwayStep6395 PathwayStep6396 PathwayStep6394 PathwayStep6400 PathwayStep6409 PathwayStep6404 PathwayStep6410 PathwayStep6411 PathwayStep6412 PathwayStep6413 Connexin synthesis (generic) Synthesis of Cx32 Synthesis of Cx43 Synthesis of Cx26 Docking of connexons into junctional, double-membrane spanning channels Formation of junctional channels Insertion of connexons into the plasma membrane resulting in the formation of hemi-channels Assembly of gap junction plaques Oligomerization of connexins into connexons Transport of connexons to the plasma membrane Transport of connexins along the secretory pathway Gap junction assembly Authored: Gilleron, J, Segretain, D, Falk, MM, 2007-01-03 12:23:09 Edited: Joshi-Tope, G, 2004-04-22 09:35:00 Edited: Matthews, L, 2007-01-26 11:41:42 GENE ONTOLOGYGO:0016264 Pubmed15033576 Pubmed8665925 Reactome Database ID Release 43190861 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_9509 The assembly of gap junctions involves (1) synthesis of connexin polypeptides at endoplasmic reticulum membranes, (2) oligomerization into homomeric- and heteromeric gap junction connexons (hemi-channels), (3) passage through the Golgi stacks, (4) intracellular storage within Trans Golgi membranes, (5) trafficking along microtubules, (6) insertion of connexons into the plasma membrane, (7) lateral diffusion of connexons in the plasma membrane, (8) aggregation of individual gap junction channels into plaques, and (9) stabilization of peripheral microtubule plus-ends by binding to Cx43-based gap junctions (see Segretain and Falk, 2004.)