Pannexin1 as mediator of inflammation and cell death

Author(s)

Yanguas, Sara Crespo ; Willebrords, Joost ; Johnstone, Scott R. ; Maes, Michael ; Decrock, Elke ; De Bock, Marijke ; Leybaert, Luc ; Cogliati, Bruno ; Vinken, Mathieu

• Document type: Review article
• Source: BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH; v. 1864, n. 1, p. 51-61, JAN 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 22

Abstract

Pannexins form channels at the plasma membrane surface that establish a pathway for communication between the cytosol of individual cells and their extracellular environment By doing so, pannexin signaling dictates several physiological functions, but equally underlies a number of pathological processes. Indeed, pannexin channels drive inflammation by assisting in the activation of inflammasomes, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the activation and migration of leukocytes. Furthermore, these cellular pores facilitate cell death, including apoptosis, pyroptosis and autophagy. The present paper reviews the roles of pannexin channels in inflammation and cell death. Ina first part, a state-of-the-art overview of pannexin channel structure, regulation and function is provided. In a second part, the mechanisms behind their involvement in inflammation and cell death are discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/50420-6 - Connexin and pannexin channels as drug targets and biomarkers in acute and chronic liver disease
• Grantee: Mathieu Frederick Alexander Vinken
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - SPEC Program