Premium
Pannexin membrane channels are mechanosensitive conduits for ATP
Author(s) -
Bao Li,
Locovei Silviu,
Dahl Gerhard
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.07.009
Subject(s) - mechanosensitive channels , pannexin , extracellular , purinergic receptor , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , gap junction , intracellular , adenosine triphosphate , ion channel , connexin , receptor , biology , biochemistry
Intercellular calcium wave propagation initiated by mechanical stress is a phenomenon found in nearly all cell types. The waves utilize two pathways: transfer of InsP3 directly from cell to cell through gap junction channels and release of ATP onto extracellular purinergic receptors. The conduit for ATP has remained elusive and both a vesicular and a channel mediated release have been considered. Here, we describe the properties of single pannexin 1 channels. They have a wide expression spectrum, they are of large conductance and permeant for ATP, and they are mechanosensitive. Hence, pannexins are candidates for the release of ATP to the extracellular space upon mechanical stress.