PANX2

Official Full Name

pannexin 2

Organism

Homo sapiens

GeneID

56666

Background

The protein encoded by this gene 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. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2009]

Synonyms

PX2; hPANX2;

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Cat.No.	Product Name	Price

Detailed Information

The function of PANX2 in mitochondrial functions and cell death

Pannexins were constituted by a small family of membrane channels, which is homologous to the invertebrate gap junction proteins. Panx1, Panx2 and Panx3, those their distinct isoforms are expressed alongside connexins in chordates. Unconnection with cytoplasm of adjacent cells and function as unitary channels regulating the exchange of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu of pannexins are unlike to connexins. There are lower Panx2 protein levels in nervous tissues although disproportionately high Panx2 mRNA levels in the CNS have been shown in the transcriptional analysis. More than this, endogenous Panx2 channels were sequestered within the endomembrane system of the cells. In sub-cellular localization and biological function of Panx2 channels characterization, using the subcellular localization method, Panx2 was determined to co-fractionates with mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers, and it may suggest that Panx2-containing compartments can associate, at least temporarily, with the ER and mitochondria. The preferential localization at membrane contract sites called mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), which is for tethering the ER to mitochondria, has been confirmed in the analysis of Panx2 dynamics in living cells combined with immunogold electron microscopy.

PANX2 protein expression is not limited to CNS

PANX2 transcript seems to be largely restricted to the central nervous system (CNS) in those gene expression studies, thus suggesting that PANX2 may serve as an important role in CNS, furthermore, PANX2 expression is detected in every tissue examined by real-time qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence, even there is a prediction of very low PANX2 protein expression by transcriptional analysis. However, PANX2 transcriptional activity is indicated to be a poor predictor of PANX2 protein abundance or has no correlation with PANX2 protein levels. PANX2 protein is not solely localized at the plasma membrane like other gap junction proteins but has confinement within cytoplasmic compartments. So from those results, endogenous expression of PANX2 protein has been demonstrated to be not limited to the CNS and is more ubiquitous than initially predicted.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of the three pannexin family members. (Silvia Penuela, et al. 2012)

References:

Penuela S, Gehi R, Laird D W. The biochemistry and function of pannexin channels. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Biomembranes, 2013, 1828(1): 15-22.
Le Vasseur M. The role of Pannexin 2 in mitochondrial functions and cell death. University of British Columbia, 2016.
Le Vasseur M, Lelowski J, Bechberger J F, et al. Pannexin 2 protein expression is not restricted to the CNS. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 2014, 8: 392.

Quick Inquiry

Interested in learning more?

Contact us today for a free consultation with the scientific team and discover how Creative Biogene can be a valuable resource and partner for your organization.

Request a quote today!

Inquiry