Pannexin-1 in Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Regulates Lymphangiogenesis

International audience ; The molecular mechanisms governing the formation of lymphatic vasculature are notyet well understood. Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that form channels which allow fordiffusion of ions and small molecules (<1 kDa) between the extracellular space and the cytosol.The expression and function of pannexins in blood vessels have been studied in the last few decades.Meanwhile, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of pannexins during humanlymphatic vessel formation. Here we show, using primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells(HDLECs), pharmacological tools (probenecid, Brilliant Blue FCF, mimetic peptides [10Panx]) andsiRNA-mediated knockdown that Pannexin-1 is necessary for capillary tube formation on Matrigeland for VEGF-C-induced invasion. These results newly identify Pannexin-1 as a protein highlyexpressed in HDLECs and its requirement during in vitro lymphangiogenesis.