Structural component of gap junctions (PubMed:17551008, PubMed:19340074, PubMed:21094651, PubMed:26753910, PubMed:16849369, PubMed:19384972). Gap junctions are dodecameric channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjoining cells. They are formed by the docking of two hexameric hemichannels, one from each cell membrane (PubMed:17551008, PubMed:19340074, PubMed:21094651, PubMed:26753910). Small molecules and ions diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell via the central pore (PubMed:21094651, PubMed:16849369, PubMed:19384972). A hemichannel or connexon is composed of a hexamer of connexins. A functional gap junction is formed by the apposition of two hemichannels (PubMed:17551008, PubMed:19340074, PubMed:21094651, PubMed:26753910). Interacts with CNST (PubMed:19864490). Forms heteromeric channels with GJB4 (By similarity). Colocalizes with GJB4 at gap junction plaques in the cochlea. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the connexin family. Beta-type (group I) subfamily. The role of Thr-34 and Ile-37 variants in deafness was unclear (PubMed:9139825, PubMed:9422505, PubMed:14694360, PubMed:17935238 and PubMed:16849369). However, their pathogenicity has been definitely confirmed (PubMed:31160754). Gene page