Intrinsic properties and regulation of Pannexin 1 channel

摘要

Pannexin 1 (Panxl) channels are generally represented as non-selective, large-pore channels that release ATP. Emerging roles have been described for Panxl in mediating purinergic signaling in the normal nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems, where they may be activated by mechanical stress, ionotropic and metabotropic receptor signaling, and via proteolytic cleavage of the Panxl C-terminus. Panxl channels are widely expressed in various cell types, and it is now thought that targeting these channels therapeutically may be beneficial in a number of pathophysiological contexts, such as asthma, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic-induced seizures. Even as interest in Panxl channels is burgeoning, some of their basic properties, mechanismsof modulation, and proposed functions remain controversial, with recent reports challenging some long-held views regarding Panxl channels. In this brief review, we summarize some well-established features of Panxl channels; we then address some currentconfounding issues surrounding Panxl channels, especially with respect to intrinsic channel properties, in order to raise awareness of these unsettled issues for future research.