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Aslan A, Ari Yuka S. Therapeutic peptides for coronary artery diseases: in silico methods and current perspectives. Amino Acids 2024; 56:37. [PMID: 38822212 PMCID: PMC11143054 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Many drug formulations containing small active molecules are used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, which affects a significant part of the world's population. However, the inadequate profile of these molecules in terms of therapeutic efficacy has led to the therapeutic use of protein and peptide-based biomolecules with superior properties, such as target-specific affinity and low immunogenicity, in critical diseases. Protein‒protein interactions, as a consequence of advances in molecular techniques with strategies involving the combined use of in silico methods, have enabled the design of therapeutic peptides to reach an advanced dimension. In particular, with the advantages provided by protein/peptide structural modeling, molecular docking for the study of their interactions, molecular dynamics simulations for their interactions under physiological conditions and machine learning techniques that can work in combination with all these, significant progress has been made in approaches to developing therapeutic peptides that can modulate the development and progression of coronary artery diseases. In this scope, this review discusses in silico methods for the development of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of coronary artery disease and strategies for identifying the molecular mechanisms that can be modulated by these designs and provides a comprehensive perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca Aslan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selcen Ari Yuka
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Luo Y, Zheng S, Xiao W, Zhang H, Li Y. Pannexins in the musculoskeletal system: new targets for development and disease progression. Bone Res 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38705887 PMCID: PMC11070431 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-024-00334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cell differentiation, growth, and development, cells can respond to extracellular stimuli through communication channels. Pannexin (Panx) family and connexin (Cx) family are two important types of channel-forming proteins. Panx family contains three members (Panx1-3) and is expressed widely in bone, cartilage and muscle. Although there is no sequence homology between Panx family and Cx family, they exhibit similar configurations and functions. Similar to Cxs, the key roles of Panxs in the maintenance of physiological functions of the musculoskeletal system and disease progression were gradually revealed later. Here, we seek to elucidate the structure of Panxs and their roles in regulating processes such as osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and muscle growth. We also focus on the comparison between Cx and Panx. As a new key target, Panxs expression imbalance and dysfunction in muscle and the therapeutic potentials of Panxs in joint diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shengyuan Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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3
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Lucero CM, Navarro L, Barros-Osorio C, Cáceres-Conejeros P, Orellana JA, Gómez GI. Activation of Pannexin-1 channels causes cell dysfunction and damage in mesangial cells derived from angiotensin II-exposed mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1387234. [PMID: 38660621 PMCID: PMC11041381 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1387234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health concern associated with various pathological conditions, including hypertensive nephropathy. Mesangial cells are crucial in maintaining glomerular function, yet their involvement in CKD pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that overactivation of Pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels could contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. Although Panx1 is expressed in the kidney, its contribution to the dysfunction of renal cells during pathological conditions remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panx1 channels on mesangial cell function in the context of hypertensive nephropathy. Using an Ang II-infused mouse model and primary mesangial cell cultures, we demonstrated that in vivo exposure to Ang II sensitizes cultured mesangial cells to show increased alterations when they are subjected to subsequent in vitro exposure to Ang II. Particularly, mesangial cell cultures treated with Ang II showed elevated activity of Panx1 channels and increased release of ATP. The latter was associated with enhanced basal intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and increased ATP-mediated [Ca2+]i responses. These effects were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and reduced cell viability. Crucially, all the adverse impacts evoked by Ang II were prevented by the blockade of Panx1 channels, underscoring their critical role in mediating cellular dysfunction in mesangial cells. By elucidating the mechanisms by which Ang II negatively impacts mesangial cell function, this study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of renal damage in hypertensive nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Lucero
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Laura Navarro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Barros-Osorio
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Cáceres-Conejeros
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan A. Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo I. Gómez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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McAllister BB, Stokes-Heck S, Harding EK, van den Hoogen NJ, Trang T. Targeting Pannexin-1 Channels: Addressing the 'Gap' in Chronic Pain. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:77-91. [PMID: 38353876 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain complicates many diseases and is notoriously difficult to treat. In search of new therapeutic targets, pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels have sparked intense interest as a key mechanism involved in a variety of chronic pain conditions. Panx1 channels are transmembrane proteins that release ions and small molecules, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They are expressed along important nodes of the pain pathway, modulating activity of diverse cell types implicated in the development and progression of chronic pain caused by injury or pathology. This review highlights advances that have unlocked the core structure and machinery controlling Panx1 function with a focus on understanding and treating chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan B McAllister
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sierra Stokes-Heck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Erika K Harding
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nynke J van den Hoogen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Van Campenhout R, De Groof TWM, Kadam P, Kwak BR, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, Vinken M. Nanobody-based pannexin1 channel inhibitors reduce inflammation in acute liver injury. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:371. [PMID: 37821897 PMCID: PMC10566086 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opening of pannexin1 channels is considered as a key event in inflammation. Pannexin1 channel-mediated release of adenosine triphosphate triggers inflammasome signaling and activation of immune cells. By doing so, pannexin1 channels play an important role in several inflammatory diseases. Although pannexin1 channel inhibition could represent a novel clinical strategy for treatment of inflammatory disorders, therapeutic pannexin1 channel targeting is impeded by the lack of specific, potent and/or in vivo-applicable inhibitors. The goal of this study is to generate nanobody-based inhibitors of pannexin1 channels. RESULTS Pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were developed as potential new pannexin1 channel inhibitors. We identified 3 cross-reactive nanobodies that showed affinity for both murine and human pannexin1 proteins. Flow cytometry experiments revealed binding capacities in the nanomolar range. Moreover, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were found to block pannexin1 channel-mediated release of adenosine triphosphate. The pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were also demonstrated to display anti-inflammatory effects in vitro through reduction of interleukin 1 beta amounts. This anti-inflammatory outcome was reproduced in vivo using a human-relevant mouse model of acute liver disease relying on acetaminophen overdosing. More specifically, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies lowered serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and diminished liver damage. These effects were linked with alteration of the expression of several NLRP3 inflammasome components. CONCLUSIONS This study introduced for the first time specific, potent and in vivo-applicable nanobody-based inhibitors of pannexin1 channels. As demonstrated for the case of liver disease, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies hold great promise as anti-inflammatory agents, yet this should be further tested for extrahepatic inflammatory disorders. Moreover, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies represent novel tools for fundamental research regarding the role of pannexin1 channels in pathological and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Bioengineering Sciences Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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6
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Lamouroux A, Tournier M, Iaculli D, Caufriez A, Rusiecka OM, Martin C, Bes V, Carpio LE, Girardin Y, Loris R, Tabernilla A, Molica F, Gozalbes R, Mayán MD, Vinken M, Kwak BR, Ballet S. Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of Stapled 10Panx1 Analogues for Use in Cardiovascular Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13086-13102. [PMID: 37703077 PMCID: PMC10544015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Following a rational design, a series of macrocyclic ("stapled") peptidomimetics of 10Panx1, the most established peptide inhibitor of Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, were developed and synthesized. Two macrocyclic analogues SBL-PX1-42 and SBL-PX1-44 outperformed the linear native peptide. During in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release and Yo-Pro-1 uptake assays in a Panx1-expressing tumor cell line, both compounds were revealed to be promising bidirectional inhibitors of Panx1 channel function, able to induce a two-fold inhibition, as compared to the native 10Panx1 sequence. The introduction of triazole-based cross-links within the peptide backbones increased helical content and enhanced in vitro proteolytic stability in human plasma (>30-fold longer half-lives, compared to 10Panx1). In adhesion assays, a "double-stapled" peptide, SBL-PX1-206 inhibited ATP release from endothelial cells, thereby efficiently reducing THP-1 monocyte adhesion to a TNF-α-activated endothelial monolayer and making it a promising candidate for future in vivo investigations in animal models of cardiovascular inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Lamouroux
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Malaury Tournier
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Debora Iaculli
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Caufriez
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olga M. Rusiecka
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Viviane Bes
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laureano E. Carpio
- ProtoQSAR
SL, Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Avda. Benjamin Franklin 12, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Yana Girardin
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for
Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Remy Loris
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for
Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filippo Molica
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Gozalbes
- ProtoQSAR
SL, Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Avda. Benjamin Franklin 12, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- MolDrug
AI Systems SL, c/Olimpia
Arozena 45, 46018 Valencia, Spain
| | - María D. Mayán
- CellCOM
Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica
de A Coruña, Servizo Galego de Saúde, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Lissoni A, Tao S, Allewaert R, Witschas K, Leybaert L. Cx43 Hemichannel and Panx1 Channel Modulation by Gap19 and 10Panx1 Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11612. [PMID: 37511370 PMCID: PMC10380488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cx43 hemichannels (HCs) and Panx1 channels are two genetically distant protein families. Despite the lack of sequence homology, Cx43 and Panx1 channels have been the subject of debate due to their overlapping expression and the fact that both channels present similarities in terms of their membrane topology and electrical properties. Using the mimetic peptides Gap19 and 10Panx1, this study aimed to investigate the cross-effects of these peptides on Cx43 HCs and Panx1 channels. The single-channel current activity from stably expressing HeLa-Cx43 and C6-Panx1 cells was recorded using patch-clamp experiments in whole-cell voltage-clamp mode, demonstrating 214 pS and 68 pS average unitary conductances for the respective channels. Gap19 was applied intracellularly while 10Panx1 was applied extracellularly at different concentrations (100, 200 and 500 μM) and the average nominal open probability (NPo) was determined for each testing condition. A concentration of 100 µM Gap19 more than halved the NPo of Cx43 HCs, while 200 µM 10Panx1 was necessary to obtain a half-maximal NPo reduction in the Panx1 channels. Gap19 started to significantly inhibit the Panx1 channels at 500 µM, reducing the NPo by 26% while reducing the NPo of the Cx43 HCs by 84%. In contrast 10Panx1 significantly reduced the NPo of the Cx43 HCs by 37% at 100 µM and by 83% at 200 µM, a concentration that caused the half-maximal inhibition of the Panx1 channels. These results demonstrate that 10Panx1 inhibits Cx43 HCs over the 100-500 µM concentration range while 500 µM intracellular Gap19 is necessary to observe some inhibition of Panx1 channels.
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