Connexin-47 (Cx47) is a gap junction (GJ) protein expressed in the Central nervous system.

It belongs to the connexins family of transmembrane proteins. Proteins that belong to this family form intercellular membrane channels that allow diffusional movement of ions, metabolites, and signaling molecules. The family members are composed of four transmembrane segments, an unstructured C and N cytoplasmic termini, a cytoplasmic loop and two extra-cellular loops¹.

Connexins oligomerize among the family members to form different structures and Cx47 was shown to form gap junction channels together with Cx43.

These voltage gated channels exhibit ionic and chemical rectification, which creates a directional diffusion barrier for the movement of ions and negatively charged molecules from cells expressing Cx47 to those with Cx43¹.

The channel mediates an intercellular communication between oligodendrocytes and between astrocytes. This process is essential to maintain the integrity of myelin and maintaining K+ buffering and nutrient homeostasis in oligodendrocytes, myelin and oligodendrocyte function^2,3, and indeed, mutations in human Cx47 cause severe myelin disorders².

Cx43/Cx47 gap junction channels activity was shown to be associated with the development of Multiple Sclerosis and autoimmune demyelination, underscoring a critical role for Cx47 in regulating neuroinflammation^4.