Gap Channel Blockers Small Molecules and Peptides

Gap channels (also known as gap junctions) are specalized cell-cell contacts between almost all eukaryotic cells that provide direct intracellular communication. Generally, gap channels allow the passive diffusion of molecules up to 1 kDa which includes nutrients, small metabolites (e.g. glucose), ions (K⁺, Ca²⁺) and second messengers (IP₃, cAMP and cGMP).

Gap channels allow electrical and biochemical coupling between cells and in excitable tissues, such as neurons and the heart, enables the ...