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Pannexin channels in inflammation and tumorigenesis

Mengmeng Jiang1,2, Xiaojia Li1,2, Keping Xie1,2

  • 1Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|September 5, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pannexin (Panx) channels regulate cell signaling by releasing molecules like ATP. Inhibiting these channels shows therapeutic potential for inflammation and cancer, despite current research limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Pannexin (Panx) channels are protein oligomers (Panx1, Panx2, Panx3) facilitating the release of signaling molecules up to 1.5 kDa.
  • Released molecules like ATP and amino acids activate receptors, mediating physiological responses.
  • Panx channels are implicated in various human pathologies, making them therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the signaling roles of Panx channels in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Panx inhibitors in these diseases.
  • To analyze current research limitations and propose future directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Panx channel function and inhibition.
  • Analysis of genetic and pharmacological approaches targeting Panx channels.
  • Evaluation of Panx inhibitors in the context of inflammation and cancer.

Main Results:

  • Panx channels play critical roles in inflammatory and tumorigenesis signaling pathways.
  • FDA-approved drugs (e.g., Carbenoxolone) and synthetic compounds show inhibitory effects.
  • Genetic and pharmacological studies confirm Panx channels' involvement in pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Panx channels are significant regulators of inflammation and cancer.
  • Panx inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • Further research is needed to overcome limitations and optimize therapeutic use.
Keywords:
fibrosisinflammationpannexintherapeuticstumorigenesis

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