Cryo-EM structure of human heptameric Pannexin 1 channel

• 来源期刊: 细胞研究（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2020,（5）
• 页码范围: 446-448
• 页数: 3页
• 语种: 英文

摘要

Dear Editor, Cellular communication is crucial during basic development and in the maintenance of homeostasis in adult organisms, and such communication involves the connexin and pannexin (PANX)families of large-pore channels.The PANX family was identified in 20001 and consists of PANX1, PANX2, and PANX3.2 Among the three subtypes, the most studied is PANX1 because of its potential effects on multiple physiological and pathological functions,3including microbial infection, cancer progression, ischemia, and neurological disorders.Very recently, we also identified mutations in PANX1 causing familial female infertility characterized by oocyte death.4 PANX1 is a major ATP release and nucleotide permeation channel, which is N-glycosylated and forms three species, GLY0, GLY1, and GLY2.s Cleavage of the C-terminus by Caspase 3/7 activates the channel and causes the release of ATP and UTP, which functions as a "find-me" signal during apoptosis.6It is also known that membrane distortion or increased intracellular calcium or extracellular potassium levels can activate the channel.7 In addition, PANX1 channel activity can be regulated by various receptors to maintain cellular electrochemical and metabolic homeostasis.