title: Pannexin 1 in the regulation of vascular tone.
abstract: Pannexins are a recently discovered protein family with the isoform Panx1 ubiquitously expressed and therefore extensively studied. Panx1 proteins form membrane channels known to release purines such as ATP. Because ATP and, more generally, purinergic signaling plays an important role in the vasculature, it became evident that Panx1 could have a key role in vascular functions. This article reviews recent findings on the pivotal role of Panx1 in smooth muscle cells in the contraction of arteries as well as recent insights into Panx1 channel regulation.
authors: Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Billaud
authors: Joanna K
authors: JK
authors: Sandilos
authors: Brant E
authors: BE
authors: Isakson
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D017630:Connexins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C492764:PANX1 protein, human; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate