The PANX1 gene (Pannexin 1) encodes a channel protein that forms large-pore channels in the plasma membrane. PANX1 channels allow the passage of ions and small molecules (<1 kDa), including ATP, and play important roles in intercellular communication, inflammation, and cell death. In the nervous system, PANX1 is involved in synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, and various neurological disorders.
| Attribute |
Value |
| Symbol |
PANX1 |
| Full Name |
Pannexin 1 |
| Chromosomal Location |
11q14.2 |
| NCBI Gene ID |
9399 |
| OMIM ID |
608421 |
| Ensembl ID |
ENSG00000110234 |
| UniProt ID |
Q96HY7 |
| Protein Size |
426 amino acids |
| Molecular Weight |
~48 kDa |
PANX1 forms a unique channel structure:
- Four Transmembrane Domains: Create the channel pore
- Two Extracellular Loops: Involved in channel gating
- One Intracellular Loop: Regulatory interactions
- N- and C-termini: Located intracellularly
PANX1 channels function as heptamers, forming large-pore channels.
- ATP Release: Major pathway for ATP release from cells
- Calcium Wave Propagation: Mediates intercellular calcium signaling
- Hemichannel Function: Acts as unapposed hemichannels
- Synaptic Transmission: Modulates excitatory synaptic transmission
- Neuronal Excitability: Regulates membrane potential
- Glial Signaling: Communication between neurons and glia
- Inflammasome Activation: PANX1 channels activate NLRP3 inflammasome
- Cytokine Release: Facilitates inflammatory cytokine release
- Phagocytosis: Affects immune cell function
PANX1 is widely expressed:
- Brain: Neurons, astrocytes, microglia
- Immune System: T-cells, B-cells, macrophages
- Cardiovascular System: Endothelial cells
- Other tissues: Widely expressed
In the brain, PANX1 is found at synapses and in glial cells.
- Amyloid-beta Channels: Aβ forms channels similar to PANX1
- Neuronal Death: Contributes to Aβ-induced toxicity
- Neuroinflammation: NLRP3 inflammasome activation
- Dopaminergic Neuron Death: PANX1 activation in substantia nigra
- Neuroinflammation: Microglial PANX1 activation
- Therapeutic Target: PANX1 blockers being investigated
¶ Stroke and Brain Injury
- Ischemic Damage: PANX1 contributes to ischemic neuronal death
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Activation following injury
- Therapeutic Potential: PANX1 inhibitors show protection
- Seizure Activity: PANX1 channels open during seizures
- Neuronal HyperExcitability: Contributes to hyperexcitability
PANX1 channels are regulated by:
- Calcium: Activated by intracellular calcium
- Voltage: Voltage-dependent gating
- Protein Interactions: Interaction with P2X7 receptor
- Cleavage: Caspase cleavage activates channels
| Approach |
Strategy |
Status |
| Probenecid |
Channel blocker |
Research |
| Carbenoxolone |
Gap junction/hemichannel blocker |
Research |
| BBG (Brilliant Blue G) |
P2X7-PANX1 inhibitor |
Preclinical |
| Selective peptides |
Channel blockers |
Development |