ABSTRACT
Connexin 26 (GJB2) and connexin 30 (GJB6) Connexin 26 is encoded by the gap junction 2 (GJB2) gene, which is expressed in several tissues including the cochlea and skin (23). In the cochlea, GJB2 is expressed in the supporting cells, the spiral ligament, the spiral limbus, and the stria vascularis, most likely contributing to the recycling of K ions (24). Recently, it has been shown that the intercellular transduction of the second messenger inositol triphosphate (IP3) by gap junctions in the inner ear is also essential for the perception of sound (25). The spreading of an IP3-mediated Ca
2 signal would be essential to the propagation of Ca2 waves in cochlear-supporting cells.
