CX43 function is conserved among vertebrates, is the most abundant connexin in bone cells, and is important for skeletal development such that CX43 mutations lead to the skeletal disorder oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) in humans and mice (Paznekas et al., 2003; Flenniken et al., 2005; Jones et al., 1993). This evidence concerns the gene GJA1 and oculodentodigital dysplasia.