Panx1 regulates neural stem and progenitor cell behaviours associated with cytoskeletal dynamics and interacts with multiple cytoskeletal elements

Background: Pannexins (Panxs) are relatively newly discovered large-pore ion and metabolite permeable channels. Although no proteomics-based interactome has yet been published, Panx1 has been demonstrated to interact with actin in an ectopic expression system. This interaction affects both Panx1 plasma membrane stability as well as cytoskeletal remodelling. The current study builds on our recent discovery of Panx1 expression in ventricular zone (VZ) neural stem and progenitor cells (NSC/NPCs), and on the demonstrated interaction of Panx1 with the cytoskeleton. Findings: Here we demonstrate that Panx1 also plays roles in two additional cell behaviours associated with neurogenesis, including cell migration and neurite extension. Furthermore, we confirm an endogenous interaction between actin and Panx1, and identify a new interaction with actin-related protein 3, an actin cytoskeleton-modulating protein. Conclusions: This study further establishes the importance of Panx1 in the cell biology of NSC/NPCs and strengthens and expands our knowledge of Panx1 interactions with the cytoskeleton.