Mediates calcium-independent ATP release, suggesting activity as a hemichannel (PubMed:18849090). Does not form functional gap junctions (PubMed:18849090). May play a non-essential role in eye lens development (PubMed:18385072, PubMed:27038752). A connexon is composed of a hexamer of connexins. Highly expressed in lens, where it is mainly found in lens fibers and to a lesser extent in lens epithelium (PubMed:18385072, PubMed:18849090). Weakly expressed in retina (PubMed:18849090). Not detected in other tissues tested (PubMed:18385072, PubMed:18849090). Expressed at the posterior region of the lens vesicle at embryonic stage 11.5 dpc. Detected at the tip of elongating lens fiber cells at stage 12.5 dpc. Expressed in lens epithelial cells, and weakly in retina, at stage 15.5 dpc. No visible phenotype. Eye morphology appears to be normal with no significant effects on lens transparency and refraction. Expression levels of the connexins Cx46 and Cx50 in lens tissue are slightly reduced. Belongs to the connexin family. Beta-type (group I) subfamily.