The two faces of pannexins: new roles in inflammation and repair.

J Inflamm Res

Bascom Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.

Published: June 2018

Pannexins belong to a family of ATP-release channels expressed in almost all cell types. An increasing body of literature on pannexins suggests that these channels play dual and sometimes contradictory roles, contributing to normal cell function, as well as to the pathological progression of disease. In this review, we summarize our understanding of pannexin "protective" and "harmful" functions in inflammation, regeneration and mechanical signaling. We also suggest a possible basis for pannexin's dual roles, related to extracellular ATP and K levels and the activation of various types of P2 receptors that are associated with pannexin. Finally, we speculate upon therapeutic strategies related to pannexin using eyes, lacrimal glands, and peripheral nerves as examples of interesting therapeutic targets.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6016592PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S128401DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

faces pannexins
4
pannexins roles
4
roles inflammation
4
inflammation repair
4
repair pannexins
4
pannexins belong
4
belong family
4
family atp-release
4
atp-release channels
4
channels expressed
4

Similar Publications

Respirable silica dust is a common hazard faced by occupational workers and prolonged exposure to this dust can lead to pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis and, in severe cases, silicosis. However, the underlying mechanism by which silica exposure causes these physical disorders is not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to shed light on this mechanism by establishing in vitro and in vivo silica exposure models from the perspective of macrophages.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Pain control is imperative in orthodontic treatment. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key mediator released from periodontal ligament cells that excites nociceptive nerve endings. Vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT), encoded by the Solute carrier family 17 member 9 (SLC17A9) gene, participates in ATP uptake into secretory vesicles; thus, it may mediate tooth movement-induced pain.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The two faces of pannexins: new roles in inflammation and repair.

J Inflamm Res

June 2018

Bascom Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.

Pannexins belong to a family of ATP-release channels expressed in almost all cell types. An increasing body of literature on pannexins suggests that these channels play dual and sometimes contradictory roles, contributing to normal cell function, as well as to the pathological progression of disease. In this review, we summarize our understanding of pannexin "protective" and "harmful" functions in inflammation, regeneration and mechanical signaling.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Mechanical stimulation of airway epithelial cells causes apical release of ATP, which increases ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and speeds up mucociliary clearance. The mechanisms responsible for this ATP release are poorly understood. CALHM1, a transmembrane protein with shared structural features to connexins and pannexins, has been implicated in ATP release from taste buds, but it has not been evaluated for a functional role in the airway.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This review highlights recent findings that describ how purines modulate the physiological and pathophysiological responses of ocular tissues. For example, in lacrimal glands the cross-talk between P2X7 receptors and both M3 muscarinic receptors and α1D-adrenergic receptors can influence tear secretion. In the cornea, purines lead to post-translational modification of EGFR and structural proteins that participate in wound repair in the epithelium and influence the expression of matrix proteins in the stroma.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!