Proximal tubule pannexin 1 contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death during acute kidney injury

Despite the huge medical, economical, and quality of life burden that AKI poses to patients, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutic or pharmaceutical interventions for AKI. Pannexin 1 (Panx1), which is upregulated in patients with AKI as well as in animals that develop experimental AKI, plays a crucial role in mediating both inflammation and cell death during AKI. Our findings suggest clinical interventions with molecules that inhibit Panx1 channel activity could improve outcomes in AKI patients.