Pannexin 2 (PANX2)

Pannexin 2 belongs to the innexin family. Innexin family members are the structural components of gap junctions. This protein and pannexin 1 are abundantly expressed in central nervous system (CNS) and are coexpressed in various neuronal populations. Studies in Xenopus oocytes suggest that this protein alone and in combination with pannexin 1 may form cell type-specific gap junctions with distinct properties. The deduced 73.3-kD protein contains 4 transmembrane domains and cytoplasmic N and C termini. Northern blot analysis detected robust Panx2 expression in rat brain and spinal cord. It was also expressed in rat eye, thyroid, prostate, kidney, and liver. In situ hybridization showed Panx2 expression in several brain regions, including cortex, striatum, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum.