Cell cycle regulation of astrocytes by extracellular nucleotides and fibroblast growth factor-2

P2 receptor-mediated signaling in the physiological and pathological brain: From development to aging and disease

The purinergic pathway mediates both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, whereas the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is in a critical equilibrium. Under physiological conditions, extracellular ATP is maintained at a nanomolar concentration. Whether released into the medium following tissue damage, inflammation, or hypoxia, ATP is considered a clear indicator of cell damage and a marker of pathological conditions. In this overview, we provide an update on the participation of P2 receptor-mediated purinergic signaling in normal and pathological brain development, with special emphasis on neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Since purinergic signaling is ubiquitous, it is not surprising that it plays a prominent role in developmental processes and pathological alterations. The main aim of this review is to conceptualize the time-dependent dynamic changes in the participation of different players in the purinome in shaping the normal and aberrant developmental patterns and diseases of the central nervous system over one's lifespan.

Role of P2Y receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathophysiology

Astrocytes are active constituents of the brain that manage ion homeostasis and metabolic support of neurons and directly tune synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes express all known P2Y receptors. These regulate a multitude of physiological functions such as cell proliferation, Ca²⁺ signalling, gliotransmitter release and neurovascular coupling. In addition, P2Y receptors are fundamental in the transition of astrocytes into reactive astrocytes, as occurring in many brain disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation and epilepsy. This review summarizes the current literature addressing the function of P2Y receptors in astrocytes in the healthy brain as well as in brain diseases.

Modification of Müller Glial Cell Fate and Proliferation with the Use of Small Molecules

In recent years, reprogramming Müller glia by overexpressing Ascl1 and other transcription factors has shown promise for the regeneration of postmitotic retinal neurons, primarily bipolar cells, following injury. Müller glial proliferation and efficiency of neuronal differentiation can be modified by the use of small molecules in various systems. The molecules and pathways studied thus far share remarkable consistency with astrocytes. In this mini review, we provide an overview on the modulation of Müller glial proliferation and cell fate using small molecules in injury and reprogramming. We also compare these observations to what has been observed in astrocytes.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals PDGFRα+ stromal cell subpopulations that promote proacinar cell differentiation in embryonic salivary gland organoids

Stromal cells can direct the differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells during organ development. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for submandibular salivary gland development. Through stromal fibroblast cells, FGF2 can indirectly regulate proacinar cell differentiation in organoids, but the mechanisms are not understood. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing and identified multiple stromal cell subsets, including Pdgfra+ stromal subsets expressing both Fgf2 and Fgf10. When combined with epithelial progenitor cells in organoids, magnetic-activated cell-sorted PDGFRα+ cells promoted proacinar cell differentiation similarly to total stroma. Gene expression analysis revealed that FGF2 increased the expression of multiple stromal genes, including Bmp2 and Bmp7. Both BMP2 and BMP7 synergized with FGF2, stimulating proacinar cell differentiation but not branching. However, stromal cells grown without FGF2 did not support proacinar organoid differentiation and instead differentiated into myofibroblasts. In organoids, TGFβ1 treatment stimulated myofibroblast differentiation and inhibited the proacinar cell differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells. Conversely, FGF2 reversed the effects of TGFβ1. We also demonstrated that adult salivary stromal cells were FGF2 responsive and could promote proacinar cell differentiation. These FGF2 signaling pathways may have applications in future regenerative therapies.

P2Y2 deficiency impacts adult neurogenesis and related forebrain functions

Adult neurogenesis occurs particularly in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. This continuous addition of neurons to pre-existing neuronal networks is essential for intact cognitive and olfactory functions, respectively. Purinergic signaling modulates adult neurogenesis, however, the role of individual purinergic receptor subtypes in this dynamic process and related cognitive performance is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the role of P2Y₂ receptor in the neurogenic niches and in related forebrain functions such as spatial working memory and olfaction using mice with a targeted deletion of the P2Y₂ receptor (P2Y2^-/- ). Proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) were analyzed by BrdU assay and immunohistochemistry; signal transduction pathway components were analyzed by immunoblot. In P2Y2^-/- mice, proliferation of NPCs in the SGZ and the SVZ was reduced. However, migration, neuronal fate decision, and survival were not affected. Moreover, p-Akt expression was decreased in P2Y2^-/- mice. P2Y2^-/- mice showed an impaired performance in the Y-maze and a higher latency in the hidden food test. These data indicate that the P2Y₂ receptor plays an important role in NPC proliferation as well as in hippocampus-dependent working memory and olfactory function.

Astrocyte-mediated purinergic signaling is upregulated in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. With increasing investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying FXS, there is growing evidence that perturbations in glial signaling are widely associated with neurological pathology. Purinergic signaling, which utilizes nucleoside triphosphates as signaling molecules, provides one of the most ubiquitous signaling systems for glial-neuronal and glial-glial crosstalk. Here, we sought to identify whether purinergic signaling is dysregulated within the FXS mouse cortex, and whether this dysregulation contributes to aberrant intercellular communication. In primary astrocyte cultures derived from the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS, we found that application of exogenous ATP and UTP evoked elevated intracellular calcium responses compared to wildtype levels. Accordingly, purinergic P2Y₂ and P2Y₆ receptor expression was increased in Fmr1 KO astrocytes both in vitro and in acutely dissociated tissue, while P2Y antagonism via suramin prevented intracellular calcium elevations, suggesting a role for these receptors in aberrant FXS astrocyte activation. To investigate the impact of elevated purinergic signaling on astrocyte-mediated synaptogenesis, we quantified synaptogenic protein TSP-1, known to be regulated by P2Y activation. TSP-1 secretion and expression were both heightened in Fmr1 KO vs wildtype astrocytes following UTP application, while naïve TSP-1 cortical expression was also transiently elevated in vivo, indicating increased potential for excitatory TSP-1-mediated synaptogenesis in the FXS cortex. Together, our results demonstrate novel and significant purinergic signaling elevations in Fmr1 KO astrocytes, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate the signaling aberrations observed in FXS.

A Selective P2Y Purinergic Receptor Agonist 2-MesADP Enhances Locomotor Recovery after Acute Spinal Cord Injury

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes most severe motor and sensory dysfunctions. In Chinese traditional medicine, the agonist of a purinergic receptor is believed to have a positive effect on SCIs, and 2-Methylthio-adenosine-5'-diphosphate (2-MesADP) is a selective agonist of the P2Y purinergic receptor.

METHODS

To investigate its therapeutic function and molecular mechanism in SCI, transcriptome analysis associated with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out at various time points after T9 crush injury.

RESULTS

2-MesADP demonstrated recovery of limb motor function at the 6 weeks after injury, accompanied by neuronal regeneration and axon remyelination at 2 and 6 weeks. Furthermore, gene profiling revealed alternated gene expression with the treatment of 2-MesADP. These genes were assigned to a total of 38 modules, followed by gene ontology analysis; of these, 18 represented neuronal apoptosis and regeneration, immune response, synaptic transmission, cell cycle, and angiogenesis. In the neuronal apoptosis and regeneration module, Nefh, NeuroD6, and Dcx in the 2-MesADP group were noticed due to their interesting expression pattern. The gene expression patterns of Mag, Mog, and Cnp, which played key roles in myelination, were significantly changed with the treatment of 2-MesADP. Wnt signal pathway was the most important pathway in 2-MesADP treatment for acute SCI.

CONCLUSION

2-MesADP enhanced locomotor recovery in mouse SCI by altering the expression of neuronal apoptosis and remyelination-related genes and Wnt signaling pathways.

The Antimicrobial Peptide Nal-P-113 Exerts a Reparative Effect by Promoting Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Cell Cycle Progression

Objective

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the reparative efficacy of a novel antimicrobial peptide, Nal-P-113, in shortening the healing time of oral mucosal ulcers by promoting cell proliferation and migration and accelerating the cell cycle.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and migration of human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs). The cell cycle distribution of HIOECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the RNA levels of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 of HIOECs were assessed by real-time PCR. Rats were divided into three groups randomly: (a) blank control group; (b) 20 μg/mL Nal-P-113; and (c) 10 ng/mL rhEGF. An oral mucosal ulcer was induced in every rat by the application of 30% acetic acid. An immunohistochemical assay was used to assess the expression of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 in the rat oral mucosa.

Results

In the CCK-8 assay, the optical density values in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly higher than that in the blank control group. In addition, the scratch areas in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly smaller (P<0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed that Nal-P-113 accelerated the entry of HIOECs into the S phase and expedited their cell cycles. The RT-PCR results suggested that Nal-P-113 upregulated the RNA levels of EGF and FGF-2 but downregulated that of TGF-β1 at 24 h and 48 h. Lastly, the immunohistochemical assay verified that Nal-P-113 changed the expression of the above cytokines in rat mucosal ulcers.

Conclusion

Nal-P-113 promoted the repair of oral mucosal ulcers by increasing the EGF and FGF-2 expression and decreasing that of TGF-β1 in HIOECs, accelerating their proliferation and cell cycle progression. The application of Nal-P-113 might serve as an effective therapeutic approach for recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Conversion of Nonproliferating Astrocytes into Neurogenic Neural Stem Cells: Control by FGF2 and Interferon-γ

Conversion of astrocytes to neurons, via de-differentiation to neural stem cells (NSC), may be a new approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. The signaling factors affecting such a cell conversion are poorly understood, and they are hard to identify in complex disease models or conventional cell cultures. To address this question, we developed a serum-free, strictly controlled culture system of pure and homogeneous "astrocytes generated from murine embryonic stem cells (ESC)." These stem cell derived astrocytes (mAGES), as well as standard primary astrocytes resumed proliferation upon addition of FGF. The signaling of FGF receptor tyrosine kinase converted GFAP-positive mAGES to nestin-positive NSC. ERK phosphorylation was necessary, but not sufficient, for cell cycle re-entry, as EGF triggered no de-differentiation. The NSC obtained by de-differentiation of mAGES were similar to those obtained directly by differentiation of ESC, as evidenced by standard phenotyping, and also by transcriptome mapping, metabolic profiling, and by differentiation to neurons or astrocytes. The de-differentiation was negatively affected by inflammatory mediators, and in particular, interferon-γ strongly impaired the formation of NSC from mAGES by a pathway involving phosphorylation of STAT1, but not the generation of nitric oxide. Thus, two antagonistic signaling pathways were identified here that affect fate conversion of astrocytes independent of genetic manipulation. The complex interplay of the respective signaling molecules that promote/inhibit astrocyte de-differentiation may explain why astrocytes do not readily form neural stem cells in most diseases. Increased knowledge of such factors may provide therapeutic opportunities to favor such conversions. Stem Cells 2016;34:2861-2874.

Involvement of nucleotides in glial growth following scratch injury in avian retinal cell monolayer cultures

When retinal cell cultures were mechanically scratched, cell growth over the empty area was observed. Only dividing and migrating, 2 M6-positive glial cells were detected. Incubation of cultures with apyrase (APY), suramin, or Reactive Blue 2 (RB-2), but not MRS 2179, significantly attenuated the growth of glial cells, suggesting that nucleotide receptors other than P2Y1 are involved in the growth of glial cells. UTPγS but not ADPβS antagonized apyrase-induced growth inhibition in scratched cultures, suggesting the participation of UTP-sensitive receptors. No decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA(+)) cells was observed at the border of the scratch in apyrase-treated cultures, suggesting that glial proliferation was not affected. In apyrase-treated cultures, glial cytoplasm protrusions were smaller and unstable. Actin filaments were less organized and alfa-tubulin-labeled microtubules were mainly parallel to scratch. In contrast to control cultures, very few vinculin-labeled adhesion sites could be noticed in these cultures. Increased Akt and ERK phosphorylation was observed in UTP-treated cultures, effect that was inhibited by SRC inhibitor 1 and PI3K blocker LY294002. These inhibitors and the FAK inhibitor PF573228 also decreased glial growth over the scratch, suggesting participation of SRC, PI3K, and FAK in UTP-induced growth of glial cells in scratched cultures. RB-2 decreased dissociated glial cell attachment to fibronectin-coated dishes and migration through transwell membranes, suggesting that nucleotides regulated adhesion and migration of glial cells. In conclusion, mechanical scratch of retinal cell cultures induces growth of glial cells over the empty area through a mechanism that is dependent on activation of UTP-sensitive receptors, SRC, PI3K, and FAK.

A novel FGF2 antagonist peptide P8 with potent antiproliferation activity

Some fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play a critical role in tumorigenesis and progression. Among them, FGF2 was highly expressed in some tumors, and antagonists binding to FGF2 can suppress the growth of tumor cells. Therefore, FGF2 has been considered as an important target in cancer therapy. In this study, we identified a novel FGF2-binding short peptide (P8, PLLQATAGGGS-NH2) using phage display technology and alanine scanning. The P8 peptide suppressed FGF2-induced proliferation with no cytotoxic effect on cells, arrested the cycle at the G0/G1 phase in B16-F10 cells, and downregulated the activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2α (FRS2α)/ERK cascade in B16-F10, NIH-H460, and SGC-7901 cells. Besides, P8 peptide can also inhibit the phosphorylation of FRS2α stimulated by FGF1 and KGF2. These implied that P8 peptide may develop as a multi-target antagonist peptide contributing to tumor treatment.

Purine receptor mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling of human fibroblasts

Earlier studies have shown that activation of adenosine A1 receptors on peripheral pain fibers contributes to acupuncture-induced suppression of painful input. In addition to adenosine, acupuncture triggers the release of other purines, including ATP and ADP that may bind to purine receptors on nearby fibroblasts. We here show that purine agonists trigger increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling in a cultured human fibroblasts cell line. The profile of agonist-induced Ca(2+) increases indicates that the cells express functional P2yR2 and P2yR4 receptors, as well as P2yR1 and P2xR7 receptors. Unexpectedly, purine-induced Ca(2+) signaling was associated with a remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. ATP induced a transient loss in F-actin stress fiber. The changes of actin cytoskeleton occurred slowly and peaked at 10min after agonist exposure. Inhibition of ATP-induced increases in Ca(2+) by cyclopiazonic acid blocked receptor-mediated cytoskeleton remodeling. The Ca(2+) ionophore failed to induce cytoskeletal remodeling despite triggering robust increases in cytosolic Ca(2+). These observations indicate that purine signaling induces transient changes in fibroblast cytoarchitecture that could be related to the beneficial effects of acupuncture.

Connexin45 modulates the proliferation of transit-amplifying precursor cells in the mouse subventricular zone

Connexins have been implicated in the regulation of precursor cell migration and proliferation during embryonic development of the mammalian brain. However, their function in postnatal neurogenesis is unclear. Here we demonstrate that connexin (Cx) 45 is expressed in transit-amplifying cells and neuroblasts in the postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) and modulated the proliferation of SVZ-derived precursor cells in vivo. Thus, overexpression of Cx45 by retroviral injections increased the proliferation of Mash-1-positive transit-amplifying precursor cells in the SVZ. Conversely, conditional deletion of Cx45 in precursor cells decreased proliferation. Finally, we established that Cx45 positively influences cell cycle reentry via ATP signaling that involves intracellular calcium stores and ERK1/2 signaling.

The FGF2-binding peptide P7 inhibits melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

Melanoma is a malignant tumor and causes majority of deaths related to skin cancer. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) greatly contributes to melanoma growth and progress. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the therapeutic potential of FGF2-binding peptide (named P7) using as a potent FGF2 antagonist via exploration of its antitumor effect on melanoma in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by WST-1. Cell cycle progression was determined by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Western blotting was carried out to detect the activation of Erk1/2, P38, Akt, and MEK, and the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. The influence of P7 on FGF2 internalization was assessed by separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic protein fractions followed by Western blotting. Female C57BL/6 mice bearing xenograft melanoma were established and used to evaluate the antitumor effect of P7 in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we first proved that P7 peptides significantly inhibited proliferation of FGF2-induced melanoma cell line B16-F10. Further investigations revealed that the mechanisms of P7 peptides inhibiting cell proliferation of melanoma cells stimulated with FGF2 in vitro involved cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, blockade of the activation of Erk1/2, P38, and Akt cascades, and inhibition of FGF2 internalization. Finally, treatment of P7 peptides in a murine melanoma model resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo, which was associated with blockade of mitogen-activated protein kinase signal activation, and suppression of the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and angiogenic factor in the melanoma tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The FGF2-binding peptide with potent antiproliferation and anti-angiogenic activity may have therapeutic potential in melanoma.

Activation of P2X7R and downstream effects in bleomycin treated lung epithelial cells

Changes in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) are believed to influence the proliferation and differentiation of airway epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, using mouse alveolar epithelial E10 cells, we demonstrated that the treatment of lung epithelial cells with BLM resulted in elevated intracellular Ca(2+) levels. BLM further increased P2rx7 mRNA expression and P2X7R protein levels, paralleled by increased PKC-β1 levels. BLM treatment or stimulation of the P2X7R with the P2X7R agonist BzATP induced translocation of PKC-β1 from the cytoplasm to the membrane. The expression of PKC-β1 was repressed by the P2X7R inhibitor oxATP, suggesting that PKC-β1 is downstream of P2X7R activation. Furthermore, cells exposed to BLM contained increased amounts of P2X7R and PKC-β1 in Cav-1 containing lipid raft fractions. The comparison of lung tissues from wild-type and P2rx7(-/-) mice revealed decreased protein and mRNA levels of PKC-β1 and CaM as well as decreased immunoreactivity for PKC-β1. The knockdown of P2X7R in alveolar epithelial cells resulted also in a loss of PKC-β1. These data suggest that the effect of P2X7R on expression of PKC-β1 detected in alveolar epithelial cells is also functioning in the animal model. Immunohistochemical evaluation of fibrotic lungs derived from a BLM-induced mouse model revealed a strong increase in PKC-β1 immunoreactivity. The present experiments demonstrated that the increased expression of P2X7R influences PKC-β1. We predict that increased Ca(2+) concentration stimulates PKC-β1, whereas the prerequisite for activating PKC-β1 after P2X7R increase remained to be determined. Our findings suggest that PKC-β1 is important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.

Neuropeptide Y and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mediate injury-induced neuroregeneration in mouse olfactory epithelium

In the olfactory epithelium (OE), injury induces ATP release, and subsequent activation of P2 purinergic receptors by ATP promotes neuroregeneration by increasing basal progenitor cell proliferation. The molecular mechanisms underlying ATP-induced increases in OE neuroregeneration have not been established. In the present study, the roles of neuroproliferative factors neuropeptide Y (NPY) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and p44/42 extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) on ATP-mediated increases of neuroregeneration in the OE were investigated. ATP increased basal progenitor cell proliferation in the OE via activation of P2 purinergic receptors in vitro and in vivo as monitored by incorporation of 5'-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, a thymidine analog, into DNA, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein levels. ATP induced p44/42 ERK activation in globose basal cells (GBCs) but not horizontal basal cells (HBCs). ATP differentially regulated p44/42 ERK over time in the OE both in vitro and in vivo with transient inhibition (5-15 min) followed by activation (30 min-1 h) of p44/42 ERK. In addition, ATP indirectly activated p44/42 ERK in the OE via ATP-induced NPY release and subsequent activation of NPY Y1 receptors in the basal cells. There were no synergistic effects of ATP and NPY or FGF2 on OE neuroregeneration. These data clearly have implications for the pharmacological modulation of neuroregeneration in the olfactory epithelium.

Interaction of purinergic receptors with GPCRs, ion channels, tyrosine kinase and steroid hormone receptors orchestrates cell function

Extracellular purines and pyrimidines have emerged as key regulators of a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes acting through P1 and P2 cell surface receptors. Increasing evidence suggests that purinergic receptors can interact with and/or modulate the activity of other classes of receptors and ion channels. This review will focus on the interactions of purinergic receptors with other GPCRs, ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases, and steroid hormone receptors. Also, the signal transduction pathways regulated by these complexes and their new functional properties are discussed.

Mitochondrial calcium signaling mediates rhythmic extracellular ATP accumulation in suprachiasmatic nucleus astrocytes

The master circadian pacemaker located within the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) controls neural and neuroendocrine rhythms in the mammalian brain. Astrocytes are abundant in the SCN, and this cell type displays circadian rhythms in clock gene expression and extracellular accumulation of ATP. Still, the intracellular signaling pathways that link the SCN clockworks to circadian rhythms in extracellular ATP accumulation remain unclear. Because ATP release from astrocytes is a calcium-dependent process, we investigated the relationship between intracellular Ca(2+) and ATP accumulation and have demonstrated that intracellular Ca(2+) levels fluctuate in an antiphase relationship with rhythmic ATP accumulation in rat SCN2.2 cell cultures. Furthermore, mitochondrial Ca(2+) levels were rhythmic and maximal in precise antiphase with the peak in cytosolic Ca(2+). In contrast, our finding that peak mitochondrial Ca(2+) occurred during maximal extracellular ATP accumulation suggests a link between these cellular rhythms. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter disrupted the rhythmic production and extracellular accumulation of ATP. ATP, calcium, and the biological clock affect cell division and have been implicated in cell death processes. Nonetheless, rhythmic extracellular ATP accumulation was not disrupted by cell cycle arrest and was not correlated with caspase activity in SCN2.2 cell cultures. Together, these results demonstrate that mitochondrial Ca(2+) mediates SCN2.2 rhythms in extracellular ATP accumulation and suggest a role for circadian gliotransmission in SCN clock function.

A putative role for endogenous FGF-2 in FGF-1 mediated differentiation of human preadipocytes

The defining characteristic of obesity is increased adipose tissue (AT) mass following chronic positive energy supply. AT mass is determined by adipocyte number and size, which reflect proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes and hypertrophy of pre-existing adipocytes. The molecular pathways governing AT expansion are incompletely defined. We previously reported that FGF-1 primes proliferating primary human preadipocytes (phPA), thereby increasing adipogenesis. Here we examined whether FGF-1's adipogenic actions were due to modulation of other FGFs. Treatment of phPA with FGF-1 reduced FGF-2 mRNA/protein by 80%. To examine a putative functional role we performed siRNA knockdown studies. Following FGF-2 knockdown preadipocyte proliferation was decreased and expression of adipogenic genes (PPARγ, G3PDH and adiponectin) was increased at day 1 of differentiation. These results suggest that changes in endogenous FGF-2 levels contribute to FGF-1's early adipogenic effects and highlight the complexity of the paracrine interplay between FGFs within human AT.

ATP differentially upregulates fibroblast growth factor 2 and transforming growth factor α in neonatal and adult mice: effect on neuroproliferation

Multiple neurotrophic factors play a role in proliferation, differentiation and survival in the olfactory epithelium (OE); however, the signaling cascade has not been fully elucidated. We tested the hypotheses that ATP induces the synthesis and secretion of two neurotrophic factors, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), and that these neurotrophic factors have a role in inducing proliferation. Protein levels of FGF2 and TGFα were increased 20 h post-intranasal instillation of ATP compared to vehicle control in adult Swiss Webster mice. Pre-intranasal treatment with purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-20,40-disulfonic acid (PPADS) significantly blocked this ATP-induced increase, indicating that upregulation of FGF2 and TGFα expression is mediated by purinergic receptor activation. However, in neonatal mouse, intranasal instillation of ATP significantly increased the protein levels of FGF2, but not TGFα. Likewise, ATP evoked the secretion of FGF2, but not TGFα, from neonatal mouse olfactory epithelial slices and PPADS significantly blocked ATP-evoked FGF2 release. To determine the role of FGF2 and TGFα in inducing proliferation, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was examined in adult olfactory epithelium. Intranasal treatment with FGF receptor inhibitor PD173074 or epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor AG1478 following ATP instillation significantly blocked ATP-induced BrdU incorporation. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ATP induces proliferation in adult mouse olfactory epithelium by promoting FGF2 and TGFα synthesis and activation of their receptors. These data suggest that different mechanisms regulate neurogenesis in neonatal and adult OE, and FGF2 and TGFα may have different roles throughout development.

Different properties of P2X(7) receptor in hippocampal and cortical astrocytes

P2X(7) receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel, which can induce the opening of large membrane pores. Here, we provide evidence that the receptor induces pore formation in astrocytes cultured from cortex, but not from the hippocampus. Furthermore, P2X(7) receptor activation promptly induces p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in cortical but not in hippocampal astrocytes. Given the role of p38 MAPK activation in pore opening, these data suggest that defective coupling of the receptor to the enzyme could occur in hippocampal cultures. The different capabilities of the receptor to open membrane pores cause relevant functional consequences. Upon pore formation, caspase-1 is activated and pro-IL1-beta is cleaved and released extracellularly. The receptor stimulation does not result in interleukin-1beta secretion from hippocampal astrocytes, although the pro-cytokine is present in the cytosol of lipopolysaccharide-primed cultures. These results open the possibility that activation of P2X(7) receptors differently influences the neuroinflammatory processes in distinct brain regions.

Trophic functions of nucleotides in the central nervous system

In addition to short-term effects, one of the fundamental roles of extracellular nucleotides in the central nervous system involves long-term trophic effects. Physiological outcomes include neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, glial proliferation, migration, growth arrest and apoptosis. Nucleotides exert these functions via P2-receptor-mediated mechanisms that can also interact with polypeptide-growth-factor-mediated or integrin-mediated signaling pathways. In addition, pathogenic roles for extracellular nucleotides in response to central nervous system injury including trauma and ischemia have been observed after the release of nucleotides by damaged and dying cells and in the development of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Here, we illuminate the contribution of extracellular nucleotides to the development, growth, cellular plasticity and death of neural cells and the mechanisms regulating these trophic effects.

Opposing effects of P2X(7) and P2Y purine/pyrimidine-preferring receptors on proliferation of astrocytes induced by fibroblast growth factor-2: implications for CNS development, injury, and repair

Extracellular nucleotides play important trophic roles in development and central nervous system (CNS) injury, but the functions of distinct purinergic receptors and related signaling pathways have not been fully elucidated. In the present study we identified opposing effects of P2X and P2Y receptors on the ability of FGF2 to induce proliferation in primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. Low concentrations of ATP enhanced DNA synthesis induced by FGF2, whereas high concentrations inhibited FGF2-induced proliferation. Comparison of concentration-response experiments with ATP and 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl)-benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) indicated that the inhibitory effect was mediated by P2X(7) receptors. Interestingly, activation of P2X(7) receptors led to a state of reversible growth arrest rather than cell death. Selectivity studies showed that proliferation evoked by epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor was also inhibited by P2X(7) receptors, but P2X(1) or P2X(3) receptors did not inhibit proliferation induced by FGF2. A marker of mitosis, phosphohistone-3, was reduced by BzATP and increased by UTP, suggesting that the enhancing effect of ATP on FGF2-induced proliferation was mediated by P2 purine/pyrimidine receptors. Phosphorylation of the growth arrest-related protein kinases p38/MAPK and SAPK/JNK was strongly increased by BzATP but only weakly affected by UTP. We conclude that P2Y purine/pyrimidine receptors enhance proliferation induced by FGF2 in astrocytes, whereas stimulation of P2X(7) receptors inhibits proliferation by shifting cells to a state of reversible growth arrest that may be mediated by protein kinase signaling. These trophic actions of P2X(7) and P2Y purine/pyrimidine receptors may contribute to the regulation of CNS development, adult neurogenesis, and the response of astrocytes to injury.

Physiology and pathophysiology of purinergic neurotransmission

This review is focused on purinergic neurotransmission, i.e., ATP released from nerves as a transmitter or cotransmitter to act as an extracellular signaling molecule on both pre- and postjunctional membranes at neuroeffector junctions and synapses, as well as acting as a trophic factor during development and regeneration. Emphasis is placed on the physiology and pathophysiology of ATP, but extracellular roles of its breakdown product, adenosine, are also considered because of their intimate interactions. The early history of the involvement of ATP in autonomic and skeletal neuromuscular transmission and in activities in the central nervous system and ganglia is reviewed. Brief background information is given about the identification of receptor subtypes for purines and pyrimidines and about ATP storage, release, and ectoenzymatic breakdown. Evidence that ATP is a cotransmitter in most, if not all, peripheral and central neurons is presented, as well as full accounts of neurotransmission and neuromodulation in autonomic and sensory ganglia and in the brain and spinal cord. There is coverage of neuron-glia interactions and of purinergic neuroeffector transmission to nonmuscular cells. To establish the primitive and widespread nature of purinergic neurotransmission, both the ontogeny and phylogeny of purinergic signaling are considered. Finally, the pathophysiology of purinergic neurotransmission in both peripheral and central nervous systems is reviewed, and speculations are made about future developments.

P2X(7) receptors: properties and relevance to CNS function

Among seven members of P2X ionotropic receptors activated by extracellular ATP, the P2X(7) subtype is unique in that it can function as a cation channel, a nonselective pore, or even a signaling complex coupled with multiple downstream components. Several roles of P2X(7) receptors have been described in CNS cells in the past decade, including release of cytokines and transmitters, modulation of presynaptic transmitter release, and activation of multiple signaling pathways. The finding that P2X(7) pores may directly mediate efflux of cytosolic glutamate, GABA, and ATP in glial cells is particularly interesting, as it provides a novel mechanism of glial transmitter release that may play important roles not only in physiological intercellular communication but also in pathological neural injury.

P2 purinergic receptors signal to glycogen synthase kinase-3beta in astrocytes

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 was identified initially as an enzyme that regulates glycogen synthesis in response to insulin, but more recent studies indicate that it is also involved in numerous cellular processes, including cell survival, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and differentiation. Because extracellular ATP exerts trophic actions on astrocytes, we investigated a possible signaling linkage from P2 purinergic receptors to GSK3beta. Addition of ATP to primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes resulted in phosphorylation of Ser9 on GSK3beta and a concomitant decrease in GSK3 activity. UTP and 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl)-benzoyl ATP (BzATP) increased phosphorylation of Ser9 on GSK3beta indicating that metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors are coupled to GSK3beta. Signaling studies showed that phosphorylation of Ser9-GSK3beta in response to ATP was inhibited by downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) but not by blockade of Akt or p70 S6 kinase pathways. PKC also links P2 receptors to ERK in astrocytes, but inhibition of ERK signaling did not block phosphorylation of Ser9-GSK3beta stimulated by P2 receptors. Mechanical strain, which releases ATP, also stimulated Ser9 phosphorylation and this was attenuated by hydrolysis of extracellular ATP with apyrase or by blockade of P2 receptors. We conclude that P2 receptors are coupled to GSK3beta by a PKC-dependent pathway that is independent of Akt, p70 S6 kinase, and ERK pathways. These findings suggest that purinergic signaling contributes to the regulation of GSK3beta functions, one of which may be the response of astrocytes to CNS injury on release of ATP.

P2 purinergic receptors signal to STAT3 in astrocytes: Difference in STAT3 responses to P2Y and P2X receptor activation

Extracellular ATP, released upon tissue damage to the CNS, can evoke reactive astrogliosis. The released ATP activates P2 purinergic receptors associated with the proliferation of normally quiescent astrocytes, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been implicated in reactive astrogliosis and plays an important role in cell cycle regulation. Therefore, we investigated whether extracellular ATP and purinergic receptors regulate STAT3 signaling. Using immunoblot analysis, we found that addition of ATP to primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes increased Ser-727 phosphorylation of STAT3 in a time-sensitive and concentration-dependent manner. ATP-stimulated Ser-727 STAT3 phosphorylation was mediated through P2 receptor activation since suramin, an antagonist of P2 receptors, diminished this response, whereas 8-(para-sulfo-phenyl)-theophylline (8PSTP), an antagonist of P1 receptors, did not. We found that UTP, an agonist of P2Y(2/4/6) receptors, stimulated rapid and robust phosphorylation of Ser727-STAT3, whereas BzATP, an agonist for P2X receptors, exhibited a delayed and weaker response. In contrast, both P2Y and P2X agonists stimulated phosphorylation of Tyr705-STAT3 to a similar extent. P2 receptors can couple to extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) and we found that inhibition of ERK signaling blocked phosphorylation of Ser727-STAT3. Further characterization of the Ser727-STAT3 phosphorylation response to P2Y receptor activation supported a role for P2Y2 and P2Y4, but not P2Y6, receptors as well as a partial role for P2Y1 receptors. Because phosphorylation of Ser727-STAT3 can promote DNA transcriptional activity of cell cycle regulatory genes, the differences in phosphorylation of Ser727-STAT3 may contribute to the mechanism by which P2Y receptors promote, whereas P2X receptors inhibit, astrocyte proliferation. In support of this hypothesis, inhibition of STAT3 activation by cucurbitacin I prevented ATP-stimulated mitogenesis. We conclude that P2 receptors stimulate STAT3 activation and suggest that P2 receptor/STAT3 signaling may play an important role in astrocyte proliferation and reactive astrogliosis.