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Development and Characterization of In Vitro Microvessel Network and Quantitative Measurements of Endothelial [Ca2+]i and Nitric Oxide Production
Published on: May 19, 2016
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Pannexins in the vasculature.
Brooke O'Donnell1, Madison Williams1,2, Marie Billaud3
1Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States.
American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Pannexins (PANX) are channels in blood vessels. PANX1 worsens cardiovascular diseases, while PANX3 may offer benefits, suggesting pannexin-based therapies for vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Physiology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Pannexins (PANX1, PANX2, PANX3) are large-pore channels in vascular networks.
- PANX1 is widely expressed in the cardiovascular system, regulating key vascular functions.
- PANX2 and PANX3 have less understood roles and intracellular localization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pannexin localization and function in the cardiovascular system.
- To explore pannexin involvement in cardiovascular disease development and progression.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of pannexins for vascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pannexin expression and function.
- Analysis of pannexin roles in various cardiovascular tissues and cell types.
- Examination of evidence from murine models regarding pannexin blockade or deletion.
Main Results:
- PANX1 mediates vascular processes like vasoconstriction and endothelial barrier function.
- PANX1 exacerbates cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and atherosclerosis.
- PANX3 shows potential benefits in healthy vessels, but this is lost in hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Pannexins, particularly PANX1, play significant roles in cardiovascular health and disease.
- PANX1 blockade or genetic deletion improves outcomes in cardiovascular disease models.
- Pannexin-based therapeutics offer a promising strategy for treating vascular diseases.
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