Pannexin1 channels in the liver: an open enemy

Functional and Structural Study of Pannexin1 Channels

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Gerhard Dahl No. of pages in text. (85) Pannexins are vertebrate proteins with limited sequence homology to the invertebrate gap junction proteins, the innexins. However, in contrast to innexins and the vertebrate connexins, pannexins do not form gap junction channels. Instead they appear to solely function as un...

A fish hook and liver disease: revisiting an old enemy.

Vibrio vulnificus is an uncommon but potentially devastating pathogen. Early recognition with prompt antimicrobial therapy and surgical treatment are key factors for a favorable outcome. Patients with diseases of the liver represent the group at highest risk of infection. However, clinicians are often unaware of underlying liver disease in these patients at the time of presentation. We present ...

Inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway activate pannexin1 channels in macrophages via the thromboxane receptor.

A multitude of environmental signaling molecules influence monocyte and macrophage innate and adaptive immune responses, including ATP and prostanoids. Interestingly, purinergic (P2) and eicosanoid receptor signaling interact such that the activation of P2 receptors leads to prostanoid production, which can then interfere with P2Y-mediated macrophage migration. Recent studies suggest that block...

Carbenoxolone inhibits Pannexin1 channels through interactions in the first extracellular loop

Pannexin1 (Panx1) is an ATP release channel important for controlling immune responses and synaptic strength. Various stimuli including C-terminal cleavage, a high concentration of extracellular potassium, and voltage have been demonstrated to activate Panx1. However, it remains unclear how Panx1 senses and integrates such diverse stimuli to form an open channel. To provide a clue on the mechan...

volatile anesthetics in ischemic liver injury: enemy or friend?