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Article
Global deletion of Panx3 produces multiple phenotypic effects in mouse humeri and femora
Journal of Anatomy
  • Deidre Caskenette, Western University
  • Silvia Penuela, Western University
  • Vanessa Lee, Western University
  • Kevin Barr, Western University
  • Frank Beier, Western University
  • Dale W. Laird, Western University
  • Katherine E. Willmore, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2016
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1111/joa.12437
Abstract

© 2016 Anatomical Society. Pannexins form single-membrane channels that allow passage of small molecules between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Of the three pannexin family members, Pannexin3 (Panx3) is the least studied but is highly expressed in skeletal tissues and is thought to play a role in the regulation of chondrocyte and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of our study is to closely examine the in vivo effects of Panx3 ablation on long bone morphology using micro-computed tomography. Using Panx3 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) adult mice, we measured and compared aspects of phenotypic shape, bone mineral density (BMD), cross-sectional geometric properties of right femora and humeri, and lean mass. We found that KO mice have absolutely and relatively shorter diaphyseal shafts compared with WT mice, and relatively larger areas of muscle attachment sites. No differences in BMD or lean mass were found between WT and KO mice. Interestingly, KO mice had more robust femora and humeri compared with WT mice when assessed in cross-section at the midshaft. Our results clearly show that Panx3 ablation produces phenotypic effects in mouse femora and humeri, and support the premise that Panx3 has a role in regulating long bone growth and development.

Citation Information
Deidre Caskenette, Silvia Penuela, Vanessa Lee, Kevin Barr, et al.. "Global deletion of Panx3 produces multiple phenotypic effects in mouse humeri and femora" Journal of Anatomy Vol. 228 Iss. 5 (2016) p. 746 - 756
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/frank-beier/27/