P2X7 purinoceptors contribute to the death of Schwann cells transplanted into the spinal cord

Biogelx-IKVAV Is An Innovative Human Platelet Lysate-Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Delivery Strategy to Improve Peripheral Nerve Repair

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) are nowadays one of the most exploited cells in regenerative medicine. They are fast growing, capable of enhancing axonal elongation, support and locally stimulate Schwann cells (SCs), and protect de-innervated muscles from atrophy after a peripheral nerve injury. With the aim of developing a bio-safe, clinically translatable cell-therapy, we assessed the effect of ADSC pre-expanded with human platelet lysate in an in vivo rat model, delivering the cells into a 15 mm critical-size sciatic nerve defect embedded within a laminin-peptide-functionalized hydrogel (Biogelx-IKVAV) wrapped by a poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) nerve conduit. ADSC retained their stemness, their immunophenotype and proliferative activity when tested in vitro. At 6 weeks post-implantation, robust regeneration was observed across the critical-size gap as evaluated by both the axonal elongation (anti-NF 200) and SC proliferation (anti-S100) within the human ADSC-IKVAV filled PCL conduit. All the other experimental groups manifested significantly lower levels of growth cone elongation. The histological gastrocnemius muscle analysis was comparable with no quantitative significant differences among the experimental groups. Taken together, these results suggest that ADSC encapsulated in Biogelx-IKVAV are a potential path to improve the efficacy of nerve regeneration. New perspectives can be pursued for the development of a fully synthetic bioengineered nerve graft for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

P2X7 receptor antagonists modulate experimental autoimmune neuritis via regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Th17 and Th1 cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a post-infectious, immune-mediated, acute demyelinating disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots, represents the most prevalent and severe acute paralyzing neuropathy. Purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) play a crucial role in central nervous system inflammation. However, little is known about their role in the immune-inflammatory response within the peripheral nervous system.

METHODS

Initially, we assessed the expression of purinergic P2X7R in the peripheral blood of patients with GBS using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. Next, we explored the expression of P2 X7R in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages within the sciatic nerves and spleens of rats using immunofluorescence labeling and flow cytometry. The P2X7R antagonist brilliant blue G (BBG) was employed to examine its therapeutic impact on rats with experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) induced by immunization with the P0180 - 199 peptide. We analyzed CD4+ T cell differentiation in splenic mononuclear cells using flow cytometry, assessed Th17 cell differentiation in the sciatic nerve through immunofluorescence staining, and examined the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA using RT-PCR. Additionally, we performed protein blotting to assess the expression of P2X7R and NLRP3-related inflammatory proteins within the sciatic nerve. Lastly, we utilized flow cytometry and immunofluorescence labeling to examine the expression of NLRP3 on CD4+ T cells in rats with EAN.

RESULTS

P2X7R expression was elevated not only in the peripheral blood of patients with GBS but also in rats with EAN. In rats with EAN, inhibiting P2X7R with BBG alleviated neurological symptoms, reduced demyelination, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration of the peripheral nerves, and improved nerve conduction. BBG also limited the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, down-regulated the expression of P2X7R and NLRP3, and suppressed the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, thus protecting against EAN. These effects collectively contribute to modifying the inflammatory environment and enhancing outcomes in EAN rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of P2X7R relieved EAN manifestation by regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This finding underscores the potential significance of P2X7R as a target for anti-inflammatory treatments, advancing research and management of GBS.

Potential role of Schwann cells in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a common syndrome associated with most forms of disease, which poses a serious threat to human health. NPP may persist even after the nociceptive stimulation is eliminated, and treatment is extremely challenging in such cases. Schwann cells (SCs) form the myelin sheaths around neuronal axons and play a crucial role in neural information transmission. SCs can secrete trophic factors to nourish and protect axons, and can further secrete pain-related factors to induce pain. SCs may be activated by peripheral nerve injury, triggering the transformation of myelinated and non-myelinated SCs into cell phenotypes that specifically promote repair. These differentiated SCs provide necessary signals and spatial clues for survival, axonal regeneration, and nerve regeneration of damaged neurons. They can further change the microenvironment around the regions of nerve injury, and relieve the pain by repairing the injured nerve. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biological characteristics of SCs, discuss the relationship between SCs and nerve injury, and explore the potential mechanism of SCs and the occurrence of NPP. Moreover, we summarize the feasible strategies of SCs in the treatment of NPP, and attempt to elucidate the deficiencies and defects of SCs in the treatment of NPP.

Inhibition of Schwann cell pannexin 1 attenuates neuropathic pain through the suppression of inflammatory responses

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is still a challenge for clinical treatment as a result of the comprehensive pathogenesis. Although emerging evidence demonstrates the pivotal role of glial cells in regulating neuropathic pain, the role of Schwann cells and their underlying mechanisms still need to be uncovered. Pannexin 1 (Panx 1), an important membrane channel for the release of ATP and inflammatory cytokines, as well as its activation in central glial cells, contributes to pain development. Here, we hypothesized that Schwann cell Panx 1 participates in the regulation of neuroinflammation and contributes to neuropathic pain.

METHODS

A mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) in CD1 adult mice or P0-Cre transgenic mice, and in vitro cultured Schwann cells were used. Intrasciatic injection with Panx 1 blockers or the desired virus was used to knock down the expression of Panx 1. Mechanical and thermal sensitivity was assessed using Von Frey and a hot plate assay. The expression of Panx 1 was measured using qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The production of cytokines was monitored through qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Panx1 channel activity was detected by ethidium bromide (EB) uptake.

RESULTS

CCI induced persistent neuroinflammatory responses and upregulation of Panx 1 in Schwann cells. Intrasciatic injection of Panx 1 blockers, carbenoxolone (CBX), probenecid, and Panx 1 mimetic peptide (¹⁰Panx) effectively reduced mechanical and heat hyperalgesia. Probenecid treatment of CCI-induced mice significantly reduced Panx 1 expression in Schwann cells, but not in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). In addition, Panx 1 knockdown in Schwann cells with Panx 1 shRNA-AAV in P0-Cre mice significantly reduced CCI-induced neuropathic pain. To determine whether Schwann cell Panx 1 participates in the regulation of neuroinflammation and contributes to neuropathic pain, we evaluated its effect in LPS-treated Schwann cells. We found that inhibition of Panx 1 via CBX and Panx 1-siRNA effectively attenuated the production of selective cytokines, as well as its mechanism of action being dependent on both Panx 1 channel activity and its expression.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that CCI-related neuroinflammation correlates with Panx 1 activation in Schwann cells, indicating that inhibition of Panx 1 channels in Schwann cells reduces neuropathic pain through the suppression of neuroinflammatory responses.

Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel Matrices Improve the Neurotrophic Potential of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Despite advances in microsurgical techniques, treatment options to restore prior function following peripheral nerve injury remain unavailable, and autologous nerve grafting remains the therapy of choice. Recent experimental work has focused on the development of artificial constructs incorporating smart biomaterials and stem cells, aspiring to match/improve the outcomes of nerve autografting. Chemically stimulated human adipose-derived stem cells (dhASC) can improve nerve regeneration outcomes; however, these properties are lost when chemical stimulation is withdrawn, and survival rate upon transplantation is low. It is hypothesized that interactions with synthetic hydrogel matrices could maintain and improve neurotrophic characteristics of dhASC. dhASC are cultured on PeptiGel-Alpha 1 and PeptiGel-Alpha 2 self-assembling peptide hydrogels, showing comparable viability to collagen I control gels. Culturing dhASC on Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 substrates allow the maintenance of neurotrophic features, such as the expression of growth factors and neuroglial markers. Both Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 substrates are suitable for the culture of peripheral sensory neurons, permitting sprouting of neuronal extensions without the need of biological extracellular matrices, and preserving neuronal function. PeptiGel substrates loaded with hdASC are proposed as promising candidates for the development of tissue engineering therapies for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries.

M2 receptors activation modulates cell growth, migration and differentiation of rat Schwann-like adipose-derived stem cells

Schwann cells (SCs) play a central role in peripheral nervous system physiology and in the response to axon injury. The ability of SCs to proliferate, secrete growth factors, modulate immune response, migrate and re-myelinate regenerating axons has been largely documented. However, there are several restrictions hindering their clinical application, such as the difficulty in collection and a slow in vitro expansion. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) present good properties for peripheral nerve regenerative medicine. When exposed to specific growth factors in vitro, they can acquire a SC-like phenotype (dASCs) expressing key SCs markers and assuming spindle-shaped morphology. Nevertheless, the differentiated phenotype is unstable and several strategies, including pharmacological stimulation, are being studied to improve differentiation outcomes. Cholinergic receptors are potential pharmacological targets expressed in glial cells. Our previous work demonstrated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors, in particular M2 subtype, are present in SCs and are able to modulate several physiological processes. In the present work, muscarinic receptors expression was characterised and the effects mediated by M2 muscarinic receptor were evaluated in rat dASCs. M2 receptor activation, by the preferred agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE), caused a reversible arrest of dASCs cell growth, supported by the downregulation of proteins involved in the maintenance of cell proliferation and upregulation of proteins involved in the differentiation (i.e., c-Jun and Egr-2), without affecting cell survival. Moreover, M2 receptor activation in dASCs enhances a pronounced spindle-shaped morphology, supported by Egr2 upregulation, and inhibits cell migration. Our data clearly demonstrate that rat dASCs express functional muscarinic receptors, in particular M2 subtype, which is able to modulate their physiological and morphological processes, as well as SCs differentiation. These novel findings could open new opportunities for the development of combined cell and pharmacological therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration, harnessing the potential of dASCs and M2 receptors.

ATP and T-cell-mediated rejection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Purine nucleosides and nucleotides are released in the extracellular space following cell injury and act as paracrine mediators through a number of dedicated membrane receptors. In particular, extracellular ATP (eATP) significantly influences T-lymphocyte activation and phenotype. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of ATP signaling in the T-cell-mediated alloimmune response.

RECENT FINDINGS

In various animal models of solid transplantation, the purinergic axis has been targeted to prevent acute rejection and to promote long-term graft tolerance. The inhibition of ATP-gated P2X receptors has been shown to halt lymphocyte activation, to downregulate both Th1 and Th17 responses and to promote T-regulatory (Treg) cell differentiation. Similarly, the inhibition of ATP signaling attenuated graft-versus-host disease in mice undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Significantly, different drugs targeting the purinergic system have been recently approved for human use and may be a viable therapeutic option for transplant patients.

SUMMARY

The inhibition of eATP signaling downregulates the alloimmune response, expands Treg cells and promotes graft survival. This robust preclinical evidence and the recent advances in pharmacological research may lead to intriguing clinical applications.

Structures and Molecular Composition of Schmidt-Lanterman Incisures

Schmidt-Lanterman incisure (SLI) is a circular-truncated cone shape in the myelin internode that is a specific feature of myelinated nerve fibers formed in Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The SLI circular-truncated cones elongate like spring at the narrow sites of beaded appearance nerve fibers under the stretched condition. In this chapter, we demonstrate various molecular complexes in SLI, and especially focus on membrane skeleton, protein 4.1G-membrane protein palmitoylated 6 (MPP6)-cell adhesion molecule 4 (CADM4). 4.1G was essential for the molecular targeting of MPP6 and CADM4 in SLI. Motor activity and myelin ultrastructures were abnormal in 4.1G-deficient mice, indicating the 4.1G function as a signal for proper formation of myelin in PNS. Thus, SLI probably has potential roles in the regulation of adhesion and signal transduction as well as in structural stability in Schwann cell myelin formation.

P2X7 receptor regulates EMMPRIN and MMP‑9 expression through AMPK/MAPK signaling in PMA‑induced macrophages

The rupture of atherosclerotic plaques may result in the formation of thrombi, which may induce subsequent cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction. Overproduction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducers (EMMPRINs) by monocytes and macrophages may lead to rupture of atherosclerotic plaques as a result of the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is expressed in macrophages that are assembled in atherosclerotic lesions of human carotid arteries. P2X7R may serve a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether P2X7R regulated the expression of EMMPRIN and MMP‑9 in phorbol 12‑myristate 13‑acetate (PMA)‑induced macrophages. In addition, the potential molecular mechanisms involved in this process were investigated. THP‑1 human monocytic cells were pretreated with A‑438079 (a specific inhibitor of P2X7R) for 1 h and subsequently incubated with or without PMA for 48 h. Exposure to A‑438079 significantly decreased the expression of MMP‑9 and EMMPRIN in the PMA‑induced macrophages and attenuated the activation (phosphorylation) of mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, including c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase, p38 and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase. The present study also demonstrated that 5'‑AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) was activated by PMA exposure during differentiation from monocytes to macrophages. This activation was reversed by A‑438079 treatment through the inhibition of P2X7R expression. These results suggested that the inhibition of P2X7R may be able to suppress the AMPK/MAPK signaling pathway and consequently downregulate both EMMPRIN and MMP‑9 expression in PMA‑induced macrophages.

Variations in Cellular Responses of Mouse T Cells to Adenosine-5'-Triphosphate Stimulation Do Not Depend on P2X7 Receptor Expression Levels but on Their Activation and Differentiation Stage

A previous report has shown that regulatory T cells (Treg) were markedly more sensitive to adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) than conventional T cells (Tconv). Another one has shown that Tregs and CD45RB^low Tconvs, but not CD45RB^high Tconvs, displayed similar high sensitivity to ATP. We have previously reported that CD45RB^low Tconvs expressing B220/CD45RABC molecules in a pre-apoptotic stage are resistant to ATP stimulation due to the loss of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) membrane expression. To gain a clearer picture on T-cell sensitivity to ATP, we have quantified four different cellular activities triggered by ATP in mouse T cells at different stages of activation/differentiation, in correlation with levels of P2X7R membrane expression. P2X7R expression significantly increases on Tconvs during differentiation from naive CD45RB^highCD44^low to effector/memory CD45RB^lowCD44^high stage. Maximum levels of upregulation are reached on recently activated CD69⁺ naive and memory Tconvs. Ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 expression levels increase in parallel with those of P2X7R. Recently activated CD69⁺ CD45RB^highCD44^low Tconvs, although expressing high levels of P2X7R, fail to cleave homing receptor CD62L after ATP treatment, but efficiently form pores and externalize phosphatidylserine (PS). In contrast, naive CD45RB^highCD44^low Tconvs cleave CD62L with high efficiency although they express a lower level of P2X7, thus suggesting that P2X7R levels are not a limiting factor for signaling ATP-induced cellular responses. Contrary to common assumption, P2X7R-mediated cellular activities in mouse Tconvs are not triggered in an all-or-none manner, but depend on their stage of activation/differentiation. Compared to CD45RB^low Tconvs, CD45RB^lowFoxp3⁺ Tregs show significantly higher levels of P2X7R membrane expression and of sensitivity to ATP as evidenced by their high levels of CD62L shedding, pore formation and PS externalization observed after ATP treatment. In summary, the different abilities of ATP-treated Tconvs to form pore or cleave CD62L depending on their activation and differentiation state suggests that P2X7R signaling varies according to the physiological role of T convs during antigen activation in secondary lymphoid organs or trafficking to inflammatory sites.

Intraneural Injection of ATP Stimulates Regeneration of Primary Sensory Axons in the Spinal Cord

Injury to the peripheral axons of sensory neurons strongly enhances the regeneration of their central axons in the spinal cord. It remains unclear on what molecules that initiate such conditioning effect. Because ATP is released extracellularly by nerve and other tissue injury, we hypothesize that injection of ATP into a peripheral nerve might mimic the stimulatory effect of nerve injury on the regenerative state of the primary sensory neurons. We found that a single injection of 6 μl of 150 μm ATP into female rat sciatic nerve quadrupled the number of axons growing into a lesion epicenter in spinal cord after a concomitant dorsal column transection. A second boost ATP injection 1 week after the first one markedly reinforced the stimulatory effect of a single injection. Single ATP injection increased expression of phospho-STAT3 and GAP43, two markers of regenerative activity, in sensory neurons. Double ATP injections sustained the activation of phospho-STAT3 and GAP43, which may account for the marked axonal growth across the lesion epicenter. Similar studies performed on P2X7 or P2Y2 receptor knock-out mice indicate P2Y2 receptors are involved in the activation of STAT3 after ATP injection or conditioning lesion, whereas P2X7 receptors are not. Injection of ATP at 150 μm caused little Wallerian degeneration and behavioral tests showed no significant long-term adverse effects on sciatic nerve functions. The results in this study reveal possible mechanisms underlying the stimulation of regenerative programs and suggest a practical strategy for stimulating axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Injury of peripheral axons of sensory neurons has been known to strongly enhance the regeneration of their central axons in the spinal cord. In this study, we found that injection of ATP into a peripheral nerve can mimic the effect of peripheral nerve injury and significantly increase the number of sensory axons growing across lesion epicenter in the spinal cord. ATP injection increased expression of several markers for regenerative activity in sensory neurons, including phospho-STAT3 and GAP43. ATP injection did not cause significant long-term adverse effects on the functions of the injected nerve. These results may lead to clinically applicable strategies for enhancing neuronal responses that support regeneration of injured axons.

Connexin43 Hemichannels in Satellite Glial Cells, Can They Influence Sensory Neuron Activity?

In this review article, we summarize the current insight on the role of Connexin- and Pannexin-based channels as modulators of sensory neurons. The somas of sensory neurons are located in sensory ganglia (i.e., trigeminal and nodose ganglia). It is well known that within sensory ganglia, sensory neurons do not form neither electrical nor chemical synapses. One of the reasons for this is that each soma is surrounded by glial cells, known as satellite glial cells (SGCs). Recent evidence shows that connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels and probably pannexons located at SGCs have an important role in paracrine communication between glial cells and sensory neurons. This communication may be exerted via the release of bioactive molecules from SGCs and their subsequent action on receptors located at the soma of sensory neurons. The glio-neuronal communication seems to be relevant for the establishment of chronic pain, hyperalgesia and pathologies associated with tissue inflammation. Based on the current literature, it is possible to propose that Cx43 hemichannels expressed in SGCs could be a novel pharmacological target for treating chronic pain, which need to be directly evaluated in future studies.

E-NPP3 controls plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers in the small intestine

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) performs multiple functions including activation and induction of apoptosis of many cell types. The ATP-hydrolyzing ectoenzyme ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 3 (E-NPP3) regulates ATP-dependent chronic allergic responses by mast cells and basophils. However, E-NPP3 is also highly expressed on epithelial cells of the small intestine. In this study, we showed that E-NPP3 controls plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) numbers in the intestine through regulation of intestinal extracellular ATP. In Enpp3-/- mice, ATP concentrations were increased in the intestinal lumen. pDC numbers were remarkably decreased in the small intestinal lamina propria and Peyer's patches. Intestinal pDCs of Enpp3-/- mice showed enhanced cell death as characterized by increases in annexin V binding and expression of cleaved caspase-3. pDCs were highly sensitive to ATP-induced cell death compared with conventional DCs. ATP-induced cell death was abrogated in P2rx7-/- pDCs. Accordingly, the number of intestinal pDCs was restored in Enpp3-/- P2rx7-/- mice. These findings demonstrate that E-NPP3 regulates ATP concentration and thereby prevents the decrease of pDCs in the small intestine.

Structure-based identification and characterisation of structurally novel human P2X7 receptor antagonists

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role in diverse conditions associated with tissue damage and inflammation, meaning that the human P2X7R (hP2X7R) is an attractive therapeutic target. The crystal structures of the zebrafish P2X4R in the closed and ATP-bound open states provide an unprecedented opportunity for structure-guided identification of new ligands. The present study performed virtual screening of ∼100,000 structurally diverse compounds against the ATP-binding pocket in the hP2X7R. This identified three compounds (C23, C40 and C60) out of 73 top-ranked compounds by testing against hP2X7R-mediated Ca(2+) responses. These compounds were further characterised using Ca(2+) imaging, patch-clamp current recording, YO-PRO-1 uptake and propidium iodide cell death assays. All three compounds inhibited BzATP-induced Ca(2+) responses concentration-dependently with IC50s of 5.1±0.3μM, 4.8±0.8μM and 3.2±0.2μM, respectively. C23 and C40 inhibited BzATP-induced currents in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner, with IC50s of 0.35±0.3μM and 1.2±0.1μM, respectively, but surprisingly C60 did not affect BzATP-induced currents up to 100μM. They suppressed BzATP-induced YO-PRO-1 uptake with IC50s of 1.8±0.9μM, 1.0±0.1μM and 0.8±0.2μM, respectively. Furthermore, these three compounds strongly protected against ATP-induced cell death. Among them, C40 and C60 exhibited strong specificity towards the hP2X7R over the hP2X4R and rP2X3R. In conclusion, our study reports the identification of three novel hP2X7R antagonists with micromolar potency for the first time using a structure-based approach, including the first P2X7R antagonist with preferential inhibition of large pore formation.

The HMGB1 signaling pathway activates the inflammatory response in Schwann cells

Schwann cells are not only myelinating cells, but also function as immune cells and express numerous innate pattern recognition receptors, including the Toll-like receptors. Injury to peripheral nerves activates an inflammatory response in Schwann cells. However, it is unclear whether specific endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules are involved in the inflammatory response following nerve injury. In the present study, we demonstrate that a key damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), is upregulated following rat sciatic nerve axotomy, and we show colocalization of the protein with Schw-ann cells. HMGB1 alone could not enhance expression of Toll-like receptors or the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), but was able to facilitate migration of Schwann cells. When Schwann cells were treated with HMGB1 together with lipopolysaccharide, the expression levels of Toll-like receptors and RAGE, as well as inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. Our novel findings demonstrate that the HMGB1 pathway activates the inflammatory response in Schwann cells following peripheral nerve injury.

The P2X7 receptor regulates cell survival, migration and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is presently one of the cancers with the worst survival rates and least effective treatments. Moreover, total deaths due to PDAC are predicted to increase in the next 15 years. Therefore, novel insights into basic mechanism of PDAC development and therapies are needed. PDAC is characterized by a complex microenvironment, in which cancer and stromal cells release different molecules, such as ATP. ATP can be transported and/or exocytosed from active cancer cells and released from dying cells in the necrotic core of the cancer. We hypothesized that one of the ATP receptors, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) could be an important player in PDAC behaviour.

METHODS

We determined the expression (real time PCR and Western blot) and localization (immunofluorescence) of P2X7R in human PDAC cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Capan-1, MiaPaCa-2, Panc-1) and a "normal" human pancreatic duct epithelial cell line (HPDE). The function of P2X7R in proliferation (BrdU assay), migration (wound assay) and invasion (Boyden chamber with matrigel) was characterized. Furthermore, we studied P2X7R-dependent pore formation (YoPro-1 assay) and cell death (caspase and annexin V / propidium iodide assays).

RESULTS

We found higher expression of P2X7R protein in PDAC compared to HPDE cells. P2X7R had notable disparate effects on PDAC survival. Firstly, high concentrations of ATP or the specific P2X7R agonist, BzATP, had cytotoxic effects in all cell lines, and cell death was mediated by necrosis. Moreover, the P2X7R-pore antagonist, A438079, prevented ATP-induced pore formation and cell death. Second, in basal conditions and with low concentrations of ATP/BzATP, the P2X7R allosteric inhibitor AZ10606120 reduced proliferation in all PDAC cell lines. P2X7R also affected other key characteristics of cancer cell behavior. AZ10606120 reduced cell migration and invasion in PDAC cell lines compared to that of untreated/vehicle-treated control cells, and stimulation with sub-millimolar concentrations of ATP or BzATP substantially increased cell invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

PDAC cell lines overexpress P2X7R and the receptor plays crucial roles in cell survival, migration and invasion. Therefore, we propose that drugs targeting P2X7R could be exploited in therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Purinergic neurone-glia signalling in cognitive-related pathologies

Neuroglia, represented by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, NG glia and microglia are homeostatic, myelinating and defensive cells of the brain. Neuroglial cells express various combinations of purinoceptors, which contribute to multiple intercellular signalling pathways in the healthy and diseased nervous system. Neurological diseases are invariably associated with profound neuroglial remodelling, which is manifest by reactive gliosis, pathological remodelling and functional atrophy of various types of glial cells. Gliopathology is disease and region specific and produces multiple glial phenotypes that may be neuroprotective or neurotoxic. In this review we summarise recent knowledge on the role of glial purinergic signalling in cognitive-related neurological diseases. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.

Up-regulation of P2X7 receptors mediating proliferation of Schwann cells after sciatic nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common disease, which results in a partial or total loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions, leading to a decrease in quality of life. Schwann cells play a vital role in maintaining the peripheral nervous system and in injury and repair. Using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, calcium assay and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) proliferation assay, the present study clearly demonstrated that P2X7 receptors (R) were expressed in myelinating and non-myelinating Schwann cells in longitudinal sections of sciatic nerves. After sciatic nerve injury (SNI), P2X7R expression in Schwann cells of injured sciatic nerves was significantly up-regulated during the early days of SNI. Double immunofluorescence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and P2X7R implied that P2X7R may be involved in proliferation of Schwann cells. Further experiments on primary cultures of Schwann cells showed that P2X7R are functionally expressed in Schwann cells of rat sciatic nerves; ATP via P2X7R can promote Schwann cell proliferation, possibly via the MAPK/ERK intracellular signalling pathway. Other possible roles of P2X7R on Schwann cells are discussed.

The role of purinergic receptors in stem cell differentiation

A major challenge modern society has to face is the increasing need for tissue regeneration due to degenerative diseases or tumors, but also accidents or warlike conflicts. There is great hope that stem cell-based therapies might improve current treatments of cardiovascular diseases, osteochondral defects or nerve injury due to the unique properties of stem cells such as their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Since embryonic stem cells raise severe ethical concerns and are prone to teratoma formation, adult stem cells are still in the focus of research. Emphasis is placed on cellular signaling within these cells and in between them for a better understanding of the complex processes regulating stem cell fate. One of the oldest signaling systems is based on nucleotides as ligands for purinergic receptors playing an important role in a huge variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Besides their natural ligands, several artificial agonists and antagonists have been identified for P1 and P2 receptors and are already used as drugs. This review outlines purinergic receptor expression and signaling in stem cells metabolism. We will briefly describe current findings in embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as well as in cancer-, hematopoietic-, and neural crest-derived stem cells. The major focus will be placed on recent findings of purinergic signaling in mesenchymal stem cells addressed in in vitro and in vivo studies, since stem cell fate might be manipulated by this system guiding differentiation towards the desired lineage in the future.

Adipose derived stem cells and nerve regeneration

Injuries to peripheral nerves are common and cause life-changing problems for patients alongside high social and health care costs for society. Current clinical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries predominantly relies on sacrificing a section of nerve from elsewhere in the body to provide a graft at the injury site. Much work has been done to develop a bioengineered nerve graft, precluding sacrifice of a functional nerve. Stem cells are prime candidates as accelerators of regeneration in these nerve grafts. This review examines the potential of adipose-derived stem cells to improve nerve repair assisted by bioengineered nerve grafts.