Pannexin-3 (PANX3)

**Pannexin-3 (PANX3)** is a member of the pannexin family of large-pore, ATP-permeable channels that structurally resemble innexins (invertebrate gap junction proteins) but are distinct from connexins. PANX3 is predominantly expressed in hard tissues such as cartilage, bone, and skin, where it acts as an essential regulator of cellular differentiation and tissue development, particularly in osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and odontoblasts[1][2][4][7][8][9]. PANX3 channels function as ER Ca^{2+} channels, hemichannels for ATP release, and intercellular gap junctions, thereby controlling intracellular Ca^{2+} signaling, extracellular ATP-mediated signaling, and coordination of cell fate transitions. Genetic deletion leads to significant skeletal formation defects, indicating its indispensability for healthy bone and cartilage development. Targeted modulation of PANX3 is a topic of ongoing investigation in skeletal and regenerative medicine, but it has no clinically approved therapeutics or inhibitors at present[1][2][7][9].

Other names

Pannexin-3PANX3Px3PX3gap junction protein pannexin 3pannexin 3

Not applicable for any approved or clinical drugs (no specific modulators or inhibitors are currently documented for therapeutic use).