title: Pannexins, distant relatives of the connexin family with specific cellular functions?
abstract: Intercellular communication (IC) is mediated by gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels, which consist of proteins. This has been particularly well documented for the connexin (Cx) family. Initially, Cxs were thought to be the only proteins capable of GJ formation in vertebrates. About 10 years ago, however, a new GJ-forming protein family related to invertebrate innexins (Inxs) was discovered in vertebrates, and named the pannexin (Panx) family. Panxs, which are structurally similar to Cxs, but evolutionarily distinct, have been shown to be co-expressed with Cxs in vertebrates. Both protein families show distinct properties and have their own particular function. Identification of the mechanisms that control Panx channel gating is a major challenge for future work. In this review, we focus on the specific properties and role of Panxs in normal and pathological conditions.
authors: Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, KULeuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Catheleyne
authors: C
authors: D'hondt
authors: Raf
authors: R
authors: Ponsaerts
authors: Humbert
authors: H
authors: De Smedt
authors: Geert
authors: G
authors: Bultynck
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Himpens
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D017630:Connexins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D021381:Protein Transport
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate