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Pannexin biology and emerging linkages to cancer

Dale W Laird1, Silvia Penuela2

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.

Trends in Cancer
|August 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pannexins, particularly PANX1, are implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. Blocking pannexin function may offer a therapeutic strategy for cancer, considering their roles in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Pannexins are a family of three glycoproteins (PANX1, PANX2, PANX3) forming membrane channels.
  • PANX1 channels connect the cytoplasm to the extracellular space, regulating the passage of signaling molecules.
  • PANX1 is expressed in various cell types, including tumor cells and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent discoveries (past 5 years) on the role of pannexins in cancer.
  • To highlight how pannexins influence tumor cell growth and metastasis.
  • To explore the potential of pannexin-blocking therapeutics in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on key discoveries from the last five years.
  • Analysis of studies investigating pannexin protein interactions.
  • Examination of research on pannexin-mediated signaling molecule efflux.

Main Results:

  • PANX1 generally facilitates tumor growth and metastasis in many cancer types.
  • Pannexins can influence tumor progression through direct protein interactions.
  • Regulated efflux of signaling molecules by pannexins also impacts tumor cell behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Pannexins play a complex role in cancer, often promoting tumor growth and metastasis.
  • The presence of PANX1 in stromal and immune cells within the TME adds complexity to its role.
  • Targeting pannexin function presents a potential therapeutic avenue for cancer, warranting further investigation.
Keywords:
ATPPANX1PANX2PANX3channelsinteractomepannexinstumors

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