Gap27 is a connexin (Cx) mimetic peptide that inhibits connexin-mediated communication (CMC). In vitro, Gap27 has been shown to improve cell migration during scrape-wound repair in hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia conditions. It also reduces acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization in smooth muscle cells.
gap 27 is a peptide(ser-arg-pro-thr-glu-lys-thr-ile-phe-ile-ile) derived from connexin 43 that is a selective gap junction blocker.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 the coordination of 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.figure1 formula of gap 27
Gap 27 (300 μM) inhibits relaxation by 40% in thoracic aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Gap 27 also attenuates the endothelium-dependent component of the relaxation induced by ATP in thoracic aorta. [3].
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