Pannexin 1 (PANX1)

Pannexin 1 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. The deduced 48-kD protein contains 4 transmembrane domains and cytoplasmic N and C termini. Northern blot analysis detected Panx1 expression in rat eye, thyroid, prostate, kidney, liver, and central nervous system. In situ hybridization showed Pnx1 expression in several brain regions, including cortex, striatum, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum.