NEW FUNCTIONS FOR GAP-JUNCTIONS

The most significant finding of the past year in gap junction research has been the association of connexin defects with human diseases. Con nexin32 mutations cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a demyel inating peripheral neuropathy. Mutations in connexin43 may underlie ca rdiac malformations in visceroatrial heterotaxia syndromes. Genetic ap proaches and gene targeting have provided new insights, but also raise new questions concerning connexin function, the significance of conne xin diversity and the regulation of intercellular communication.