Abstract P19: Pannexin 3 Deficiency in Mice Delays the Wound Healing Process

PURPOSE: Pannexin 3 (Panx3) is a gap junction protein. We have previously shown that Panx3 plays multiple channel functions: 1) as a hemichannel to regulate intracellular ATP/cAMP levels between cells and the extracellular space, 2) as an ER calcium channel to regulate calcium flux within the cell, and 3) a gap junction to exchange ions and small molecules between cells. However, the role of Panx3 in skin tissue regeneration, proliferation, and/or differentiation is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Panx3 plays a role in the skin wound healing process by controlling the inflammatory response, epidermal-mesenchymal transition (EMT), keratinocyte proliferation, and collagen deposition.