Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
Pannexin 1 is a protein in humans that is encoded by the PANX1 gene.[5]
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the innexin family. Innexin family members are the structural components of gap junctions. This protein and pannexin 2 are abundantly expressed in central nerve system (CNS) and are coexpressed in various neuronal populations. Studies in Xenopus oocytes suggest that this protein alone and in combination with pannexin 2 may form cell type-specific gap junctions with distinct properties.[5]
Clinical relevance
Truncating mutations in this gene have been shown to promote breast cancer metastasis to the lungs by allowing cancer cells to survive mechanical stretch in the microcirculation.[6]
Disruptions of this gene have been associated to melanoma tumor progression.[7]
Pannexin 1 is also an important component of membrane channels involved in the formation of thin plasma membrane extensions called apoptopodia and beaded apoptopodia during apoptosis.[8][9]