Regulation of Pannexin-1 channel activity

Pannexin-1 (Panx1) forms anion-selective channels with a permeability up to 1 kDa and represents a pathway for the release of cytosolic ATP. Several structurally similar connexin (Cx) proteins have been identified in platelets and shown to play roles in haemostasis and thrombosis. More recently, functional Panx1 channels have been demonstrated on the surface of human platelets [Taylor et al. (2014) J. Thromb. Haemost. 12, 987-998]. Since their identification in the year 2000, several mechanisms have been reported to activate Panx1 channels, including mechanical stimulation, oxygen-glucose deprivation, a rise of [Ca2+](i), caspase cleavage and phosphorylation. Within this review, the regulation of Panx1 channels is discussed, with a focus on how they may contribute to platelet function.