The ATP permeability of pannexin 1 channels in a heterologous system and in mammalian taste cells is dispensable.

Afferent output in type II taste cells is mediated by ATP liberated through ion channels. It is widely accepted that pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels are responsible for ATP release in diverse cell types, including taste cells. While biophysical evidence implicates slow deactivation of ion channels following ATP release in taste cells, recombinant Panx1 activates and deactivates rapidly.