Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2021, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (5): 899-904.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.290911

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Pannexin 1, a large-pore membrane channel, contributes to hypotonicity-induced ATP release in Schwann cells

Zhong-Ya Wei1, *, #, Hui-Lin Qu1, #, Yu-Juan Dai2, Qian Wang1, Zhuo-Min Ling2, Wen-Feng Su1, Ya-Yu Zhao1, Wei-Xing Shen2, Gang Chen1, 2, 3, *#br#   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China;  2 Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China;  3 Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Online:2021-05-15 Published:2020-12-29
  • Contact: Zhong-Ya Wei, PhD, weizhongya08yan@126.com; Gang Chen, PhD, MD, chengang6626@ntu.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 31900718 (to ZYW), 31872773 (to GC);  the National Key Research and Development Program of China, No. 2017YFA0104704 (to GC); Basic Research Program of the Education Department of Jiangsu Province of China, Nos. 19KJB180024 (to ZYW), 18KJB180020 (to WXS); Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, No. 2019M651925 (to ZYW), Jiangsu Students’ Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of China, No. 201810304031Z (to YJD); Six Talent Peaks Project in Jiangsu Province of China, No. WSN-007 (to WXS).

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Abstract: Pannexin 1 (Panx 1), as a large-pore membrane channel, is highly permeable to ATP and other signaling molecules. Previous studies have demonstrated the expression of Panx 1 in the nervous system, including astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. However, the distribution and function of Panx 1 in the peripheral nervous system are not clear. Blocking the function of Panx 1 pharmacologically (carbenoxolone and probenecid) or with small interfering RNA targeting pannexins can greatly reduce hypotonicity-induced ATP release. Treatment of Schwann cells with a Ras homolog family member (Rho) GTPase inhibitor and small interfering RNA targeting Rho or cytoskeleton disrupting agents, such as nocodazole or cytochalasin D, revealed that hypotonicity-induced ATP release depended on intracellular RhoA and the cytoskeleton. These findings suggest that Panx 1 participates in ATP release in Schwann cells by regulating RhoA and the cytoskeleton arrangement. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University, China (No. S20180806-002) on August 5, 2018.

Key words: ATP, cytoskeleton, injury, neuron, pannexin 1, peripheral nerve, Ras homolog family member A, Schwann cells