Truncating mutations in this gene have been shown to promote breast cancer metastasis to the lungs by allowing cancer cells to survive mechanical stretch in the microcirculation. Disruptions of this gene have been associated to melanoma tumor progression. Pannexin 1 is also an important component of membrane channels involved in the formation of thin plasma membrane extensions called
apoptopodia and
beaded apoptopodia during
apoptosis. == References ==