Who we are

The Penuela Lab focuses on a family of the channel proteins called Pannexins (consisting of the triad; Panx1, Panx2, and Panx3). We study the role of these proteins in a variety of pathological disorders ranging from cancer to osteoarthritis. We also aim to uncover several biochemical and biological  aspects of Pannexins.

The main areas of research in our lab are:

  • Biochemistry and cell biology of pannexins 1, 2, and 3
  • Pannexin 1 channels as novel regulators of melanoma and other cancers
  • Pannexin 1 in mammalian skin development, aging and wound healing
  • Pannexin 1 & 3 regulation of adipose stem-cell differentiation, fat accumulation and obesity
  • Pannexin 3 in musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis