P2X4 receptor is a glycosylated cardiac receptor mediating a positive inotropic response to ATP

Human P2X4 receptor gating is modulated by a stable cytoplasmic cap and a unique allosteric pocket

P2X receptors (P2XRs) are a family of ATP-gated ion channels comprising homomeric and heteromeric trimers of seven subunits (P2X 1 - P2X 7 ) that confer different rates of desensitization. The helical recoil model of P2XR desensitization proposes the stability of the cytoplasmic cap sets the rate of desensitization, but timing of its formation is unclear for slow-desensitizing P2XRs. We report cryo-EM structures of full-length, wild-type human P2X 4 receptor in apo, antagonist-bound, and desensitized states. Because the apo and antagonist-bound structures of this slow-desensitizing P2XR include an intact cytoplasmic cap while the desensitized state structure does not, the cytoplasmic cap forms before agonist binding. Furthermore, structural and functional data suggests the cytoplasmic cap is stabilized by lipids to slow desensitization and that P2X 4 is further modified by glycosylation and palmitoylation. Finally, our antagonist-bound inhibited state structure reveals features specific to the allosteric ligand-binding pocket in human receptors that empower the development of small-molecule modulators.

Methods for studying P2X4 receptor ion channels in immune cells

The P2X4 receptor is a trimeric ligand-gated ion channel activated by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). P2X4 is present in immune cells with emerging roles in inflammation and immunity, and related disorders. This review aims to provide an overview of the methods commonly used to study P2X4 in immune cells, focusing on those methods used to assess P2RX4 gene expression, the presence of the P2X4 protein, and P2X4 ion channel activity in these cells from humans, dogs, mice and rats. P2RX4 gene expression in immune cells is commonly assessed using semi-quantitative and quantitative reverse-transcriptase-PCR. The presence of P2X4 protein in immune cells is mainly assessed using anti-P2X4 polyclonal antibodies with immunoblotting or immunochemistry, but the use of these antibodies, as well as monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies to detect P2X4 with flow cytometry is increasing. Notably, use of an anti-P2X4 monoclonal antibody and flow cytometry has revealed that P2X4 is present on immune cells with a rank order of expression in eosinophils, then neutrophils and monocytes, then basophils and B cells, and finally T cells. P2X4 ion channel activity has been assessed mainly by Ca2+ flux assays using the cell permeable Ca2+-sensitive dyes Fura-2 and Fluo-4 with fluorescence microscopy, spectrophotometry, or flow cytometry. However, other methods including electrophysiology, and fluorescence assays measuring Na+ flux (using sodium green tetra-acetate) and dye uptake (using YO-PRO-12+) have been applied. Collectively, these methods have demonstrated the presence of functional P2X4 in monocytes and macrophages, microglia, eosinophils, mast cells and CD4+ T cells, with other evidence suggestive of functional P2X4 in dendritic cells, neutrophils, B cells and CD8+ T cells.

The Pleiotropic Role of Extracellular ATP in Myocardial Remodelling

Myocardial remodelling is a molecular, cellular, and interstitial adaptation of the heart in response to altered environmental demands. The heart undergoes reversible physiological remodelling in response to changes in mechanical loading or irreversible pathological remodelling induced by neurohumoral factors and chronic stress, leading to heart failure. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is one of the potent mediators in cardiovascular signalling that act on the ligand-gated (P2X) and G-protein-coupled (P2Y) purinoceptors via the autocrine or paracrine manners. These activations mediate numerous intracellular communications by modulating the production of other messengers, including calcium, growth factors, cytokines, and nitric oxide. ATP is known to play a pleiotropic role in cardiovascular pathophysiology, making it a reliable biomarker for cardiac protection. This review outlines the sources of ATP released under physiological and pathological stress and its cell-specific mechanism of action. We further highlight a series of cardiovascular cell-to-cell communications of extracellular ATP signalling cascades in cardiac remodelling, which can be seen in hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion injury, fibrosis, hypertrophy, and atrophy. Finally, we summarize current pharmacological intervention using the ATP network as a target for cardiac protection. A better understanding of ATP communication in myocardial remodelling could be worthwhile for future drug development and repurposing and the management of cardiovascular diseases.

The P2X4 Receptor: Cellular and Molecular Characteristics of a Promising Neuroinflammatory Target

The adenosine 5′-triphosphate-gated P2X4 receptor channel is a promising target in neuroinflammatory disorders, but the ability to effectively target these receptors in models of neuroinflammation has presented a constant challenge. As such, the exact role of P2X4 receptors and their cell signalling mechanisms in human physiology and pathophysiology still requires further elucidation. To this end, research into the molecular mechanisms of P2X4 receptor activation, modulation, and inhibition has continued to gain momentum in an attempt to further describe the role of P2X4 receptors in neuroinflammation and other disease settings. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of the P2X4 receptor, including its expression and function in cells involved in neuroinflammatory signalling. We discuss the pharmacology of P2X4 receptors and provide an overview of P2X4-targeting molecules, including agonists, positive allosteric modulators, and antagonists. Finally, we discuss the use of P2X4 receptor modulators and antagonists in models of neuroinflammatory cell signalling and disease.

Taspine is a natural product that suppresses P2X4 receptor activity via phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

P2X4 is a ligand-gated cation channel activated by extracellular ATP, involved in neuropathic pain, inflammation and arterial tone.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Natural products were screened against human or mouse P2X4 activity using fura-2 loaded 1321N1 cells for measurement of intracellular Ca²⁺ responses; whole-cell currents were measured by patch clamp electrophysiological. Human primary macrophage chemokine release was used to assess effect of taspine on inflammatory cell function. An enzymatic assay was performed to assess the effect of taspine on recombinant PI3-kinase.

KEY RESULTS

A natural product screen identified taspine as an inhibitor of human P2X4 activity. Taspine inhibits human and mouse P2X4-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in 1321N1 cells expressing receptors (IC₅₀ 1.6±0.4 μM and 1.6±0.3 μM, respectively), but lacked activity at human P2X2, P2X3, P2X2/3 and P2X7 receptors. Taspine inhibited the maximal response at human and mouse P2X4 but had no effect on ATP potency. Taspine has a slow onset rate (~15 mins for half-maximal inhibition), irreversible over 30 minutes of washout. Taspine inhibits P2X4-mediated Ca²⁺ signalling in mouse BV-2 microglia cells and human primary macrophage. Taspine inhibited P2X4-mediated CXCL5 secretion in human primary macrophage. Taspine reversed ivermectin-induced potentiation of P2X4 currents in 1321N1 stably expressing cells. The known PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 mimicked the properties of taspine on P2X4-mediated Ca²⁺ influx and whole-cell currents. Taspine directly inhibited the enzymatic activity of recombinant PI3-kinase in a competitive manner.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Taspine is a novel natural product P2X4 inhibitor, mediating its effect through PI3-kinase inhibitor rather than receptor antagonism. Taspine can inhibit the pro-inflammatory signalling by P2X4 in human primary macrophage.

P2 Receptors in Cardiac Myocyte Pathophysiology and Mechanotransduction

ATP is a major energy source in the mammalian cells, but it is an extracellular chemical messenger acting on P2 purinergic receptors. A line of evidence has shown that ATP is released from many different types of cells including neurons, endothelial cells, and muscle cells. In this review, we described the distribution of P2 receptor subtypes in the cardiac cells and their physiological and pathological roles in the heart. So far, the effects of external application of ATP or its analogues, and those of UTP on cardiac contractility and rhythm have been reported. In addition, specific genetic alterations and pharmacological agonists and antagonists have been adopted to discover specific roles of P2 receptor subtypes including P2X4-, P2X7-, P2Y2- and P2Y6-receptors in cardiac cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Accumulated data suggest that P2X4 receptors may play a beneficial role in cardiac muscle function, and that P2Y2- and P2Y6-receptors can induce cardiac fibrosis. Recent evidence further demonstrates P2Y1 receptor and P2X4 receptor as important mechanical signaling molecules to alter membrane potential and Ca²⁺ signaling in atrial myocytes and their uneven expression profile between right and left atrium.

Intercellular Calcium Signaling Induced by ATP Potentiates Macrophage Phagocytosis

Extracellular ATP is a signaling molecule exploited by the immune cells for both autocrine regulation and paracrine communication. By performing live calcium imaging experiments, we show that triggered mouse macrophages are able to propagate calcium signals to resting bystander cells by releasing ATP. ATP-based intercellular communication is mediated by P2X4 and P2X7 receptors and is a feature of pro-inflammatory macrophages. In terms of functional significance, ATP signaling is required for efficient phagocytosis of pathogen-derived molecules and apoptotic cells and may represent a target for macrophage regulation by CD39-expressing cells. These results highlight a cell-to-cell communication mechanism tuning innate immunity.

NeuroHeal Treatment Alleviates Neuropathic Pain and Enhances Sensory Axon Regeneration

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) leads to the loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, and often triggers neuropathic pain. During the last years, many efforts have focused on finding new therapies to increase axonal regeneration or to alleviate painful conditions. Still only a few of them have targeted both phenomena. Incipient or aberrant sensory axon regeneration is related to abnormal unpleasant sensations, such as hyperalgesia or allodynia. We recently have discovered NeuroHeal, a combination of two repurposed drugs; Acamprosate and Ribavirin. NeuroHeal is a neuroprotective agent that also enhances motor axon regeneration after PNI. In this work, we investigated its effect on sensory fiber regeneration and PNI-induced painful sensations in a rat model of spare nerve injury and nerve crush. The follow up of the animals showed that NeuroHeal treatment reduced the signs of neuropathic pain in both models. Besides, the treatment favored sensory axon regeneration, as observed in dorsal root ganglion explants. Mechanistically, the effects observed in vivo may improve the resolution of cell-protective autophagy. Additionally, NeuroHeal treatment modulated the P2X4-BDNF-KCC2 axis, which is an essential driver of neuropathic pain. These data open a new therapeutic avenue based on autophagic modulation to foster endogenous regenerative mechanisms and reduce the appearance of neuropathic pain in PNI.

Targeting Purinergic Signaling and Cell Therapy in Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Extracellular purines exert several functions in physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. ATP acts through P2 receptors as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator and modulates heart contractility, while adenosine participates in neurotransmission, blood pressure, and many other mechanisms. Because of their capability to differentiate into mature cell types, they provide a unique therapeutic strategy for regenerating damaged tissue, such as in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Purinergic signaling is pivotal for controlling stem cell differentiation and phenotype determination. Proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of stem cells of various origins are regulated by purinergic receptors. In this chapter, we selected neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases with clinical trials using cell therapy and purinergic receptor targeting. We discuss these approaches as therapeutic alternatives to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, promising results were demonstrated in the utilization of mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mononuclear cells in vascular regeneration. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, in general, P2X7 and A_2A receptors mostly worsen the degenerative state. Stem cell-based therapy, mainly through mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, showed promising results in improving symptoms caused by neurodegeneration. We propose that purinergic receptor activity regulation combined with stem cells could enhance proliferative and differentiation rates as well as cell engraftment.

Molecular characterization of purinergic receptor P2X4 involved in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) innate immune response and its interaction with ATP release channel Pannexin1

P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) is a member of trimeric ATP-gated receptor channel family. Despite the importance of P2X4R in innate immunity has been addressed in mammals, the immunological significance of P2X4R has not been characterized in fish. In the present study we identified a full-length P2X4R cDNA sequence from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (termed poP2X4R) by RT-PCR and RACE approaches and analyzed its gene expression patterns under normal and immune challenge conditions. Qualitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that poP2X4R has a widespread distribution in all examined tissues but dominantly expressed in hepatopancreas. In Japanese flounder head kidney macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes, poP2X4R was rapidly and significantly up-regulated by the immune challenges of LPS, poly(I:C) and zymosan. In addition, poP2X4R was up-regulated in spleen, head kidney and gill tissues by Edwardsiella tarda infections. Furthermore, we showed that poP2X4R is a membrane glycoprotein which could interact with ATP release channel Pannexin1, an important component in extracellular ATP-activated purinergic signaling pathways involved in Japanese flounder innate immune response. From a comparative immunological point of view, our results have provided new evidence for the involvement of extracellular ATP-gated P2XRs in fish innate immunity.

Cardiac purinergic signalling in health and disease

This review is a historical account about purinergic signalling in the heart, for readers to see how ideas and understanding have changed as new experimental results were published. Initially, the focus is on the nervous control of the heart by ATP as a cotransmitter in sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory nerves, as well as in intracardiac neurons. Control of the heart by centers in the brain and vagal cardiovascular reflexes involving purines are also discussed. The actions of adenine nucleotides and nucleosides on cardiomyocytes, atrioventricular and sinoatrial nodes, cardiac fibroblasts, and coronary blood vessels are described. Cardiac release and degradation of ATP are also described. Finally, the involvement of purinergic signalling and its therapeutic potential in cardiac pathophysiology is reviewed, including acute and chronic heart failure, ischemia, infarction, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, syncope, hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, angina, diabetic cardiomyopathy, as well as heart transplantation and coronary bypass grafts.

Pharmacological and molecular characterization of functional P2 receptors in rat embryonic cardiomyocytes

Purinergic receptors activated by extracellular nucleotides (adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP)) are well known to exert physiological effects on the cardiovascular system, whether nucleotides participate functionally in embryonic heart development is not clear. The responsiveness of embryonic cardiomyocytes (E) 12 to P2 receptor agonists by measuring Ca(2+) influx did not present response to ATP, but responses to P2 agonists were detected in cardiomyocytes taken from E14 and E18 rats. Photometry revealed that the responses to ATP were concentration-dependent with an EC50 of 1.32 μM and 0.18 μM for E14 and E18 cardiomyocytes, respectively. In addition, other P2 agonists were also able to induce Ca(2+) mobilization. RT-PCR showed the presence of P2X2 and P2X4 receptor transcripts on E14 cardiomyocytes with a lower expression of P2X3 and P2X7 receptors. P2X1 and a low level of P2X5 receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) were also expressed at E18. Immunofluorescence data indicated that only P2X2 and P2X4 receptor proteins were expressed in E14 cardiomyocytes while protein for all the P2X receptor subtypes was expressed in E18, except for P2X3 and P2X6. Responses mediated by agonists specific for P2Y receptors subtypes showed that P2Y receptors (P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6) were also present in both E14 and E18 cardiomyocytes. Dye transfer experiments showed that ATP induces coupling of cells at E12, but this response is decreased at E14 and lost at E18. Conversely, UTP induced coupling with five or more cells in most cells from E12 to E18. Our results show that specific P2 receptor subtypes are present in embryonic rat cardiomyocytes, including P2X7 and P2Y4 receptors that have not been identified in adult rat cardiomyocytes. The responsiveness to ATP stimulation even before birth, suggests that ATP may be an important messenger in embryonic as well as in adult hearts.

Cardiac P2X purinergic receptors as a new pathway for increasing Na⁺ entry in cardiac myocytes

P2X4 receptors (P2X4Rs) are ligand-gated ion channels capable of conducting cations such as Na(+). Endogenous cardiac P2X4R can mediate ATP-activated current in adult murine cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cardiac P2X receptors can induce Na(+) entry and modulate Na(+) handling. We further determined whether P2X receptor-induced stimulation of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) has a role in modulating the cardiac contractile state. Changes in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase current (Ip) and NCX current (INCX) after agonist stimulation were measured in ventricular myocytes of P2X4 transgenic mice using whole cell patch-clamp techniques. The agonist 2-methylthio-ATP (2-meSATP) increased peak Ip from a basal level of 0.52 ± 0.02 to 0.58 ± 0.03 pA/pF. 2-meSATP also increased the Ca(2+) entry mode of INCX (0.55 ± 0.09 pA/pF under control conditions vs. 0.82 ± 0.14 pA/pF with 2-meSATP) at a membrane potential of +50 mV. 2-meSATP shifted the reversal potential of INCX from -14 ± 2.3 to -25 ± 4.1 mV, causing an estimated intracellular Na(+) concentration increase of 1.28 ± 0.42 mM. These experimental results were closely mimicked by mathematical simulations based on previously established models. KB-R7943 or a structurally different agent preferentially opposing the Ca(2+) entry mode of NCX, YM-244769, could inhibit the 2-meSATP-induced increase in cell shortening in transgenic myocytes. Thus, the Ca(2+) entry mode of INCX participates in P2X agonist-stimulated contractions. In ventricular myocytes from wild-type mice, the P2X agonist could increase INCX, and KB-R7943 was able to inhibit the contractile effect of endogenous P2X4Rs, indicating a physiological role of these receptors in wild-type cells. The data demonstrate a novel Na(+) entry pathway through ligand-gated P2X4Rs in cardiomyocytes.

Conserved ectodomain cysteines are essential for rat P2X7 receptor trafficking

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a member of the ATP-gated ion channel family that exhibits distinct electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. This includes low sensitivity to ATP, lack of desensitization, a sustained current growth during prolonged receptor stimulation accompanied with development of permeability to large organic cations, and the coupling of receptor activation to cell blebbing and death. The uniquely long C-terminus of P2X7R accounts for many of these receptor-specific functions. The aim of this study was to understand the role of conserved ectodomain cysteine residues in P2X7R function. Single- and double-point threonine mutants of C119-C168, C129-C152, C135-C162, C216-C226, and C260-C269 cysteine pairs were expressed in HEK293 cells and studied using whole-cell current recording. All mutants other than C119T-P2X7R responded to initial and subsequent application of 300-μM BzATP and ATP with small amplitude monophasic currents or were practically nonfunctional. The mutagenesis-induced loss of function was due to decreased cell-surface receptor expression, as revealed by assessing levels of biotinylated mutants. Coexpression of all double mutants with the wild-type receptor had a transient or, in the case of C119T/C168T double mutant, sustained inhibitory effect on receptor trafficking. The C119T-P2X7R mutant was expressed on the plasma membrane and was fully functional with a slight decrease in the sensitivity for BzATP, indicating that interaction of liberated Cys168 with another residue rescues the trafficking of receptor. Thus, in contrast to other P2XRs, all disulfide bonds of P2X7R are individually essential for the proper receptor trafficking.

N-Glycans mutations rule oligomeric assembly and functional expression of P2X3 receptor for extracellular ATP

N-Glycosylation affects the function of ion channels at the level of multisubunit assembly, protein trafficking, ligand binding and channel opening. Like the majority of membrane proteins, ionotropic P2X receptors for extracellular ATP are glycosylated in their extracellular moiety. Here, we used site-directed mutagenesis to the four predicted N-glycosylation sites of P2X(3) receptor (Asn(139), Asn(170), Asn(194) and Asn(290)) and performed comparative analysis of the role of N-glycans on protein stability, plasma membrane delivery, trimer formation and inward currents. We have found that in transiently transfected HEK293 cells, Asn(170) is apparently the most important site for receptor stability, since its mutation causes a primary loss in protein content and indirect failure in membrane expression, oligomeric association and inward current responses. Even stronger effects are obtained when mutating Thr(172) in the same glycosylation consensus. Asn(194) and Asn(290) are the most dispensable, since even their simultaneous mutation does not affect any tested receptor feature. All double mutants containing Asn(170) mutation or the Asn(139)/Asn(290) double mutant are instead almost unable to assemble into a functional trimeric structure. The main emerging finding is that the inability to assemble into trimers might account for the impaired function in P2X(3) mutants where residue Asn(170) is replaced. These results improve our knowledge about the role of N-glycosylation in proper folding and oligomeric association of P2X(3) receptor.

Role of the domain encompassing Arg304-Ile328 in rat P2X2 receptor conformation revealed by alterations in complex glycosylation at Asn298

The final 25 amino acids of the ectodomain of the P2X receptors, immediately prior to the second TM (transmembrane domain) (pre-TM2: Arg³⁰⁴–Ile³²⁸ in rat P2X₂), are highly conserved. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that single cysteine substitutions in the N-terminal half of pre-TM2 (Arg³⁰⁴–Ile³¹⁴) led to loss of function at Arg³⁰⁴, Leu³⁰⁶, Lys³⁰⁸ and Ile³¹². Cysteine substitutions within this region also resulted in a significant reduction in the apparent molecular mass of receptors, due to loss of complex glycosylation at the nearby acceptor site Asn²⁹⁸, which was not seen for the C-terminal portion of pre-TM2 (Asp³¹⁵–Ile³²⁸). The reduction in complex glycosylation was not due to reduced cell-surface presentation, demonstrating that glycosylation at Asn²⁹⁸ was acting as a sensor of subtle changes in receptor conformation within the pre-TM2 region. When this N-glycan site was repositioned closer to the plasma membrane by mutagenesis (N298S together with G299N, T300N, T301N or T303N), glycosylation was restored at G299N and T300N, but was impaired for T301N and completely absent for T303N. These results suggest that the region in the vicinity of Asp³¹⁵ is at the plasma membrane interface and that the N-terminal portion of pre-TM2 (Arg³⁰⁴–Ile³¹⁴) is important for the correct conformation of the receptor at the extracellular face of the membrane.

Characterization of the molecular interaction between caveolin-1 and the P2X receptors 4 and 7 in E10 mouse lung alveolar epithelial cells

P2X(4) and P2X(7) receptors are abundantly expressed in alveolar epithelial cells, and are thought to play a role in regulating fluid haemostasis. Here, we analyzed the expression and localization of the P2X(4)R, and characterized the interaction between Cav-1 and both P2X(4)R and P2X(7)R in the mouse alveolar epithelial cell line E10. Using the biotinylation assay, we found that only glycosylated P2X(4)R is exposed at the cell surface. Triton X-100 solubility experiments and sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed that P2X(4)R was partially localized in Cav-1 rich membrane fractions. Cholesterol depletion with Mbeta-CD displaced Cav-1 and P2X(4)R from the low-density to the high-density fractions. Suppression of Cav-1 protein expression using short hairpin RNAs resulted in a large reduction in P2X(4)R levels. Double immunofluorescence showed that P2X(4)R and Cav-1 partially colocalize in vitro. Using the GST pull-down assay, we showed that Cav-1 interacts in vitro with both P2X(4)R and P2X(7)R. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the interaction between P2X(7)R and Cav-1. ATP stimulation increased the level of P2X(4)R in the lipid raft/caveolae fraction, whereas Cav-1 content remained constant. Our results support recent evidence that P2X receptors are present in both raft and non-raft compartments of the plasma membrane and thus exhibit variable ATP sensitivity.

Regulation of P2X4 receptors by lysosomal targeting, glycan protection and exocytosis

The P2X4 receptor has a widespread distribution in the central nervous system and the periphery, and plays an important role in the function of immune cells and the vascular system. Its upregulation in microglia contributes to neuropathic pain following nerve injury. The mechanisms involved in its regulation are not well understood, although we have previously shown that it is constitutively retrieved from the plasma membrane and resides predominantly within intracellular compartments. Here, we show that the endogenous P2X4 receptors in cultured rat microglia, vascular endothelial cells and freshly isolated peritoneal macrophages are localized predominantly to lysosomes. Lysosomal targeting was mediated through a dileucine-type motif within the N-terminus, together with a previously characterized tyrosine-based endocytic motif within the C-terminus. P2X4 receptors remained stable within the proteolytic environment of the lysosome and resisted degradation by virtue of their N-linked glycans. Stimulation of phagocytosis triggered the accumulation of P2X4 receptors at the phagosome membrane. Stimulating lysosome exocytosis, either by incubating with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, for normal rat kidney (NRK) cells and cultured rat microglia, or the weak base methylamine, for peritoneal macrophages, caused an upregulation of both P2X4 receptors and the lysosomal protein LAMP-1 at the cell surface. Lysosome exocytosis in macrophages potentiated ATP-evoked P2X4 receptor currents across the plasma membrane. Taken together, our data suggest that the P2X4 receptor retains its function within the degradative environment of the lysosome and can subsequently traffic out of lysosomes to upregulate its exposure at the cell surface and phagosome.

Caveolin-1 influences P2X7 receptor expression and localization in mouse lung alveolar epithelial cells

The P2X7 receptor has recently been described as a marker for lung alveolar epithelial type I cells. Here, we demonstrate both the expression of P2X7 protein and its partition into lipid rafts in the mouse lung alveolar epithelial cell line E10. A significant degree of colocalization was observed between P2X7 and the raft marker protein Caveolin-1; also, P2X7 protein was associated with caveolae. A marked reduction in P2X7 immunoreactivity was observed in lung sections prepared from Caveolin-1-knockout mice, indicating that Caveolin-1 expression was required for full expression of P2X7 protein. Indeed, suppression of Caveolin-1 protein expression in E10 cells using short hairpin RNAs resulted in a large reduction in P2X7 protein expression. Our data demonstrate a potential interaction between P2X7 protein and Caveolin-1 in lipid rafts, and provide a basis for further functional and biochemical studies to probe the physiologic significance of this interaction.

Post-Translational Modifications of the P2X(4) purinergic receptor subtype in the human placenta are altered in preeclampsia

P2X(4) receptors are activated by extracellular ATP to raise intracellular calcium, thus altering cell signalling. ATP release occurs under pathophysiological, stress and adverse cell conditions; these are all increased in preeclampsia. Although P2X(4) is abundantly expressed in normal placenta neither the differences in the amount of protein nor its post-translational modifications have been studied in placentae from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Thus we examined P2X(4) protein expression, localization and post-translational modifications in normotensive controls, term and preterm preeclamptic placentae. Densitometric analysis of Western blots showed a significant increase in P2X(4) protein expression in both term (p=0.002) and preterm preeclamptic (p=0.0008) placental samples compared to normotensive controls however the tissue localization of this receptor subtype was unaltered across the groups. Our data showed that P2X(4) is a nitrated protein in the placenta and this nitration is upregulated in preterm preeclamptic placenta compared to normotensive controls (p=0.03). We also demonstrated that P2X(4) is heavily glycosylated in the placenta by deglycosylation with PNGase F which reduced the protein product size by 23 kDa. We propose that P2X(4) acts within the syncytiotrophoblast to alter intracellular calcium and subsequent signalling pathways thereby restoring placental cell homeostasis following ATP-induced changes during pathophysiological conditions such as preeclampsia. We also propose that the post-translational modifications of nitration and glycosylation are required for the normal functioning of P2X(4).

Extracellular ATP-stimulated current in wild-type and P2X4 receptor transgenic mouse ventricular myocytes: implications for a cardiac physiologic role of P2X4 receptors

P2X receptors, activated by extracellular ATP, may be important in regulating cardiac function. The objective of the present study was to characterize the electrophysiologic actions of P2X4 receptors in cardiac myocytes and to determine whether they are involved in mediating the effect of extracellular ATP. Membrane currents under voltage clamp were determined in myocytes from both wild-type (WT) and P2X4 receptor-overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice. The P2X agonist 2-meSATP induced an inward current at -100 mV that was greater in magnitude (2-fold) in TG than in WT ventricular cells. In the presence of the P2X4 receptor-selective allosteric enhancer ivermectin (3 microM), the 2-meSATP-stimulated current increased significantly in both WT and TG ventricular cells, consistent with an important role of P2X4 receptors in mediating the ATP current not only in TG but also WT myocytes. That the current in both WT and TG cells showed similar voltage-dependence and reverse potential (approximately 0 mV) further suggests a role for this receptor in the normal electrophysiological action of ATP in WT murine cardiac myocytes. The P2X antagonist suramin was only able to block partially the 2-meSATP-stimulated current in WT cells, implying that both P2X4 receptor and another yet-to-be-identified P2X receptor mediate this current.

Regulation of neuronal type genes in congestive heart failure rats

AIM

After myocardial infarction (MI), complex changes in the heart occur during progression into congestive heart failure (CHF). This study sought to identify regulated genes that could have a functional role in some of the changes seen in CHF.

METHODS

Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in Wistar rats. Gene expression changes in 1- and 7-day MI left ventricular myocardium was analysed using complementary DNA (cDNA) filter arrays. Regulated genes were identified by repeated measurements and a ranked ratio analysis method.

RESULTS

A total of 135 genes were identified as differentially expressed. A few genes were robustly regulated at 1-day MI. In 7-day CHF hearts, changes in the expression of neuronal type genes was prominent (32%, n = 28). Eleven of these genes with no described association with CHF were selected for validation. One gene failed the validation. In CHF hearts, the expression of the muscarinic m4 (Chrm4) and nicotinic alpha4 (Chrna4) acetylcholin receptors, the ATP receptor P2rx4, nerve growth factor receptor (Ngfr), discoidin domain receptor 1 (Ddr1), neuronal pentraxin receptor (Nptxr), peripheral myelin protein Pmp-22, leukocyte type 12-lipoxygenase (Alox15), cytochrome P450 4F5 (Cyp4F5) and cardiac Kcne1 were all increased (range 1.6-6.0-fold, P < 0.01 for all genes). The lack of significant regulation of these genes at 1-day post-MI, suggests that the induction of these genes at 7-day post-MI is not a short-term response induced by the infarct itself.

CONCLUSION

These neuronal type genes may participate in underlying processes that affect contractility, intracardiac nerve function and development of arrhythmias in CHF hearts.

Purinergic receptors in human placenta: evidence for functionally active P2X4, P2X7, P2Y2, and P2Y6

Appropriate regulation of ion transport by the human placental syncytiotrophoblast is important for fetal growth throughout pregnancy. In nonplacental tissues, ion transport can be modulated by extracellular nucleotides that raise intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) via activation of purinergic receptors. We tested the hypothesis that purinergic receptors are expressed by human placental cytotrophoblast cells and that their activation by extracellular nucleotides modulates ion (K+) efflux and [Ca2+]i. P2X/P2Y receptor agonists 5-bromouridine 5'-triphosphate (5-BrUTP), ADP, ATP, 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), and UTP stimulated 86Rb (K+ tracer) efflux from cultured cytotrophoblast cells at early (mononuclear) or later (multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast-like) stages of differentiation, with ATP and UTP particularly potent. 2-Methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-MeS-ATP), and UDP elevated 86Rb efflux only from multinucleated cells. All agonists caused a significant peak and plateau increase in [Ca2+]i, although the magnitude of responses was variable. The effect of BzATP, UTP, and UDP in multinucleated cells was unaffected, and that of ATP partially inhibited, by removal of extracellular Ca2+, implicating P2Y receptor activation. mRNA encoding P2X1, P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 and P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, and P2Y11 were identified in mono- and multinucleated cells, whereas P2X3 and P2X5 mRNA were absent from all samples. Western blot analysis revealed P2X4, P2X7, P2Y2, and P2Y6 protein in cytotrophoblast cells, but P2Y4 was not detected. On the basis of published agonist selectivity, the data indicate the presence of functionally active P2X4, P2X7, P2Y2, and P2Y6 receptors in cytotrophoblast cells. We propose that activation of these receptors, and subsequent elevation of [Ca2+]i, modulates syncytiotrophoblast homeostasis and/or maternofetal ion exchange in response to extracellular nucleotides.

The T-tubule membrane ATP-operated P2X4 receptor influences contractility of skeletal muscle

Evidence indicates that extracellular ATP may have relevant functions in skeletal muscle, even though the physiological role and distribution of specific signaling pathway elements are not well known. The present work shows that P2X4 receptor, an extracellular ATP-regulated cell membrane channel permeable to Ca2+, is expressed in several tissues of the rat, including skeletal muscle. A specific antibody detected a protein band of approximately 60 kDa. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that P2X4 has an intracellular localization, and confocal analysis revealed that the receptor colocalizes with the T-tubule membrane DHP receptor. Considering that the natural agonist of P2X4 is ATP, we explored if changes of extracellular ATP levels could occur in contracting skeletal muscle to regulate the channel. In vitro experiments showed that substantial ATP is released and rapidly hydrolyzed after electrical stimulation of rat muscle fibers. Results show that the presence of ATP-degrading enzymes (hexokinase/apyrase), inhibitors of P2X receptors or Ca2+-free conditions, all abolished the progressive twitch tension potentiation produced in soleus muscle by low-frequency (0.05 Hz) stimulation. These data reveal that ATP-mediated Ca2+ entry, most likely through P2X4 receptor, may play an important role in modulating the contractility of skeletal muscle.

Biochemical and functional evidence for heteromeric assembly of P2X1 and P2X4 subunits

P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels activated by extracellular ATP. In expression systems, P2X subunits form homo- and heterotrimeric receptors. Heteromerization is also likely to occur in vivo as (i) most P2X subunits show overlapping distribution in different tissues and (ii) the functional properties of many native P2X receptors differ from those of heterologously expressed homomeric receptors. Here, we used the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to test for heteromerization of P2X1 and P2X4 subunits. Upon co-injection, P2X4 subunits were co-purified with hexahistidyl-tagged P2X1 subunits indicating heteromerization. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) analysis of these P2X complexes excluded artificial aggregation and confirmed that both subunits were present in trimeric complexes of the same size. Two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments revealed functional P2X receptors with kinetic properties resembling homomeric P2X4 receptors and a pharmacological profile similar to homomeric P2X1 receptors. Thus, application of alpha,beta-methylene ATP evoked a slowly desensitizing current sensitive to the antagonists suramin and 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP. This study provides for the first time biochemical and functional evidence for the formation of heteromeric P2X(1+4) receptors. These receptors may account for native P2X mediated responses that until now could not be correlated with previously described recombinant P2X receptors.

Molecular determinants of the agonist binding domain of a P2X receptor channel

P2 purinergic receptor channel receptors (P2XRs) are a family of ligand-gated cation channels composed of two transmembrane domains, N and C termini located intracellularly, and a large extracellular loop containing the ATP binding domain. To identify regions important for binding and gating, previous experimental work was focused on mutagenesis of conserved ectodomain residues. Here, we used the known sequence and secondary structure similarities between the Lys180-Lys326 ectodomain region of P2X(4) and the class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases as a guide to generate a three-dimensional model of the receptor-binding site and to design mutants. The interplay between homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis suggested that Asp280 residue of P2X(4)R coordinates ATP binding via the magnesium ion, Phe230 residue coordinates the binding of the adenine ring of ATP, and Lys190, His286, and Arg278 residues coordinate the actions of negatively charged alpha-, beta-, and gamma-phosphate groups, respectively. Until the crystal structure of the channel is solved, this model could provide a useful approach for future studies on the identification of ATP binding domain and gating of P2XRs.

Epidermal growth factor facilitates epinephrine inhibition of P2X7-receptor-mediated pore formation and apoptosis: a novel signaling network

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), epinephrine, and the P2X7 receptor system regulate growth of human uterine cervical epithelial cells, but little is known about how these systems intercommunicate in exerting their actions. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms of EGF and epinephrine regulation of growth of cervical cells. Treatment of cultured CaSki cells with 0.2 nM EGF increased cell number via a PD98059-sensitive pathway. Treatment with 2 nM epinephrine increased cell number, and the effect was facilitated by cotreatment with EGF. Whereas the effect of EGF alone involved up-regulation of [3H]-thymidine incorporation and an increase in cell proliferation, the effect of epinephrine was mediated by inhibition of apoptosis. Epinephrine inhibited apoptosis induced by the P2X7 receptor ligand 2',3'-0-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP, by attenuation of P2X7 receptor plasma membrane pore formation. Cotreatment with EGF facilitated epinephrine effect via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent mechanism. CaSki cells express the beta2-adrenoceptor, and the epinephrine antiapoptotic effect could be mimicked by beta2-adrenoceptor agonists and by activators of adenylyl cyclase. Likewise, the effect could be blocked by beta2-adrenoceptor blockers and by the inhibitor of protein kinase-A H-89. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that epinephrine decreased the levels of the glycosylated 85-kDa form of the P2X7 receptor and increased receptor degradation, and that EGF potentiated these effects of epinephrine. EGF did not affect cellular levels of the beta2-adrenoceptor. In contrast, EGF, acting via the EGF receptor, augmented beta2-adrenoceptor recycling, and it inhibited beta2-adrenoceptor internalization via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent mechanism. We conclude that, in cervical epithelial cells, EGF has a dual role: as mitogen, acting via the MAPK/MAPK kinase pathway, and as an antiapoptotic factor by facilitating epinephrine effect and resulting in greater expression of beta2-adrenoceptors in the plasma membrane. These findings underscore a novel signaling network of communication between the receptor tyrosine kinases, the G protein-coupled receptors, and the purinergic P2X7 receptor.

Molecular physiology of P2 receptors in the central nervous system

Neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) are endowed with ATP-sensitive receptors belonging to the P2X (ligand-gated cationic channels) and P2Y (G protein-coupled receptors) types. Whereas a number of P2X receptors mediate fast synaptic responses to the transmitter ATP, P2Y receptors mediate either slow changes of the membrane potential in response to non-synaptically released ATP or the interaction with receptors for other transmitters. To date seven P2X and seven P2Y receptors of human origin have been molecularly identified and functionally characterized. P2X subunits may occur as homooligomers or as heterooligomeric assemblies of more than one subunit. P2X(7) subunits do not form heterooligomeric assemblies and are unique in mediating apoptosis and necrosis of glial cells and possibly also of neurons. The P2X(2), P2X(4), P2X(4)/P2X(6) and P2Y(1) receptors appear to be the predominant neuronal types. The localisation of these receptors may be at the somato-dendritic region (postsynaptic) or at the nerve terminals (presynaptic). Postsynaptic P2 receptors appear to be mostly excitatory, while presynaptic P2 receptors may be either excitatory (P2X) or inhibitory (P2Y). Since in the CNS the stimulation of a single neuron may activate multiple networks, a concomitant stimulation of facilitatory and inhibitory circuits as a result of ATP release is also possible. Finally, the enzymatic degradation of ATP may lead to the local generation of adenosine which can modulate via A(1) or A(2A) receptor-activation the ATP effect.

Enhanced expression of the P2X4 receptor in Duchenne muscular dystrophy correlates with macrophage invasion

Following molecular and immunohistochemical analysis of the purinergic P2X4 receptor subunit in dystrophin-deficient muscle we have identified a distinct subpopulation of P2X4-positive cells infiltrating the dystrophic fibres. These cells were absent from normal muscle and rarely present in the dystrophic muscle taken before and after the onset of degeneration. We have identified these P2X4-positive cells as macrophages, demonstrating for the first time that human and mouse tissue macrophages express P2X4 in addition to P2X7 receptor subunits both in vitro and in situ. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the increase in the P2X4 expression is yet another feature of an inflammatory response identified in DNA arrays of dystrophic muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis failed to localise discernible expression of P2X4 protein in adult skeletal or cardiac muscle fibres, whilst myoblasts in culture expressed low levels of this subunit, as detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In light of the involvement of macrophages in the dystrophic process, the function of P2X receptors and their role in the Duchenne pathology as well as their potential role in therapeutic applications are discussed.

N-linked glycosylation of platelet P2Y12 ADP receptor is essential for signal transduction but not for ligand binding or cell surface expression

P(2)Y(12) receptor is a G(i)-coupled adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor with a critical role in platelet aggregation. It contains two potential N-linked glycosylation sites at its extra cellular amino-terminus, which may modulate its activity. Studies of both tunicamycin treatment and site-directed mutagenesis have revealed a dispensable role of the N-linked glycosylation in the receptor's surface expression and ligand binding activity. However, the non-glycosylated P(2)Y(12) receptor is defective in the P(2)Y(12)-mediated inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase activity. Thus the study uncovers an unexpected vital role of N-linked glycans in receptor's signal transducing step but not in surface expression or ligand binding.

A beneficial role of cardiac P2X4 receptors in heart failure: rescue of the calsequestrin overexpression model of cardiomyopathy

The P2X4 purinergic receptor (P2X4R) is a ligand-gated ion channel. Its activation by extracellular ATP results in Ca2+ influx. Transgenic cardiac overexpression of the human P2X4 receptor showed an in vitro phenotype of enhanced basal contractility. The objective here was to determine the in vivo cardiac physiological role of this receptor. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that this receptor plays an important role in modulating heart failure progression. Transgenic cardiac overexpression of canine calsequestrin (CSQ) showed hypertrophy, heart failure, and premature death. Crossing the P2X4R mouse with the CSQ mouse more than doubled the lifespan (182 +/- 91 days for the binary CSQ/P2X4R mouse, n = 35) of the CSQ mouse (71.3 +/- 25.4 days, n = 50, P < 0.0001). The prolonged survival in the binary CSQ/P2X4R mouse was associated with an improved left ventricular weight-to-body weight ratio and a restored beta-adrenergic responsiveness. The beneficial phenotype of the binary mouse was not associated with any downregulation of the CSQ level but correlated with improved left ventricular developed pressure and +/-dP/dt. The enhanced cardiac performance was manifested in young binary animals and persisted in older animals. The increased contractility likely underlies the survival benefit from P2X4 receptor overexpression. An increased expression or activation of this receptor may represent a new approach in the therapy of heart failure.

Functional regulation of P2X6 receptors by N-linked glycosylation: identification of a novel alpha beta-methylene ATP-sensitive phenotype

Investigation of rat recombinant P2X(6) receptors has been limited because of the difficulty in obtaining functional expression in heterologous systems. In this study, we demonstrate glycosylation-dependent regulation of recombinant P2X(6) receptor function and associated conferral of a novel phenotype that is sensitive to the P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptor agonist, alphabeta-methylene ATP. In cells functionally expressing P2X(6) receptors, ATP and alphabeta-methylene ATP evoked slowly desensitizing inward currents (EC(50) values, 0.5 and 0.6 microM, respectively) with slow kinetics of current decay on agonist washout. 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl ATP) and iso-pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2'-5'-disulfonate were effective antagonists (IC(50) values, 0.8 and 22 microM, respectively); however, suramin was relatively ineffective. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the absence of other P2X receptor subunits. Western analysis of membrane fractions from functional and nonfunctional clones confirmed the presence of P2X(6) at the cell membrane but revealed a difference in apparent molecular mass of immunoreactive products ( approximately 70 and approximately 60 kDa, respectively). N-glycosidase F treatment of both functional and nonfunctional receptor cell membranes increased the electrophoretic mobilities of immunoreactive products, with both proteins migrating at approximately 55 kDa, demonstrating an increased level of glycosylation of the P2X(6) receptor in functional compared with nonfunctional cells. This study demonstrates that nonfunctional rat recombinant P2X(6) receptors 1) are expressed on the membrane surface of human embryonic kidney cells and 2) are glycosylated. Expression of the novel functional receptor phenotype is associated with further glycosylation, resulting in an apparently larger molecular mass. These results suggest that P2X(6) receptor subunits contribute to alphabeta-methylene ATP sensitivity.

Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems

This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.

Extracellular ATP as a signaling molecule for epithelial cells

The charge of this invited review is to present a convincing case for the fact that cells release their ATP for physiological reasons. Many of our "purinergic" colleagues as well as ourselves have experienced resistance to this concept, because it is teleologically counter-intuitive. This review serves to integrate the three main tenets of extracellular ATP signaling: ATP release from cells, ATP receptors on cells, and ATP receptor-driven signaling within cells to affect cell or tissue physiology. First principles will be discussed in the Introduction concerning extracellular ATP signaling. All possible cellular mechanisms of ATP release will then be presented. Use of nucleotide and nucleoside scavengers as well as broad-specificity purinergic receptor antagonists will be presented as a method of detecting endogenous ATP release affecting a biological endpoint. Innovative methods of detecting released ATP by adapting luciferase detection reagents or by using "biosensors" will be presented. Because our laboratory has been primarily interested in epithelial cell physiology and pathophysiology for several years, the role of extracellular ATP in regulation of epithelial cell function will be the focus of this review. For ATP release to be physiologically relevant, receptors for ATP are required at the cell surface. The families of P2Y G protein-coupled receptors and ATP-gated P2X receptor channels will be introduced. Particular attention will be paid to P2X receptor channels that mediate the fast actions of extracellular ATP signaling, much like neurotransmitter-gated channels versus metabotropic heptahelical neurotransmitter receptors that couple to G proteins. Finally, fascinating biological paradigms in which extracellular ATP signaling has been implicated will be highlighted. It is the goal of this review to convert and attract new scientists into the exploding field of extracellular nucleotide signaling and to convince the reader that extracellular ATP is indeed a signaling molecule.

Dependence of purinergic P2X receptor activity on ectodomain structure

Purinergic receptors (P2XRs) activate and desensitize in response to the binding of extracellular nucleotides in a receptor- and ligand-specific manner, but the structural bases of their ligand preferences and channel kinetics have been incompletely characterized. Here we tested the hypothesis that affinity of agonists for binding domain accounts for a ligand-specific desensitization pattern. We generated chimeras using receptors with variable sensitivity to ATP in order: P2X(4)R > P2X(2a)R = P2X(2b)R P2X(7)R. Chimeras having the ectodomain Ile(66)-Tyr(310) sequence of P2X(2)R and Val(61)-Phe(313) sequence of P2X(7)R in the backbone of P2X(4)R were expressed but were non-functioning channels. P2X(2a) + X(4)R and P2X(2b) + X(4)R chimeras having the Val(66)-Tyr(315) ectodomain sequence of P2X(4)R in the backbones of P2X(2a)R and P2X(2b)R were functional and exhibited increased sensitivity to ligands as compared with both parental receptors. These chimeras also desensitized faster than parental receptors and in a ligand-nonspecific manner. However, like parental P2X(2b)R and P2X(2a)R, chimeric P2X(2b) + X(4)R desensitized more rapidly than P2X(2a) + X(4)R, and the rate of desensitization of P2X(2a)+X(4)R increased by substituting its Arg(371)-Pro(376) intracellular C-terminal sequence with the Glu(376)-Gly(381) sequence of P2X(4)R. These results indicate the relevance of interaction between the ectodomain and flanking regions around the transmembrane domains on ligand potency and receptor activation. Furthermore, the ligand potency positively correlates with the rate of receptor desensitization but does not affect the C-terminal-specific pattern of desensitization.

Cloning, tissue distribution and functional characterization of the chicken P2X1 receptor

We describe a new chicken P2X subunit that is an orthologue of the mammalian P2X1 receptor. Functional characterization of chicken P2X1 receptors was performed using the amphotericin B perforated patch configuration to avoid the current run-down observed under whole-cell patch-clamp conditions. Responses to agonists and to the antagonist PPADS (pyridoxal 5-phosphate 6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid) were similar to what has been described for mammalian orthologues. However, the antagonists suramin and NF023 were much less potent at chicken P2X1 receptors than at human P2X1 receptors. In embryonic tissues, transcript expression is predominant in lung, liver and skeletal muscle. Overlapping expression with cP2X4 and cP2X5 subunits in several embryonic tissues, including skeletal muscle, indicates that the native embryonic P2X receptors could be heteromultimeric.

Molecular physiology of P2X receptors

P2X receptors are membrane ion channels that open in response to the binding of extracellular ATP. Seven genes in vertebrates encode P2X receptor subunits, which are 40-50% identical in amino acid sequence. Each subunit has two transmembrane domains, separated by an extracellular domain (approximately 280 amino acids). Channels form as multimers of several subunits. Homomeric P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X5, and P2X7 channels and heteromeric P2X2/3 and P2X1/5 channels have been most fully characterized following heterologous expression. Some agonists (e.g., alphabeta-methylene ATP) and antagonists [e.g., 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP] are strongly selective for receptors containing P2X1 and P2X3 subunits. All P2X receptors are permeable to small monovalent cations; some have significant calcium or anion permeability. In many cells, activation of homomeric P2X7 receptors induces a permeability increase to larger organic cations including some fluorescent dyes and also signals to the cytoskeleton; these changes probably involve additional interacting proteins. P2X receptors are abundantly distributed, and functional responses are seen in neurons, glia, epithelia, endothelia, bone, muscle, and hemopoietic tissues. The molecular composition of native receptors is becoming understood, and some cells express more than one type of P2X receptor. On smooth muscles, P2X receptors respond to ATP released from sympathetic motor nerves (e.g., in ejaculation). On sensory nerves, they are involved in the initiation of afferent signals in several viscera (e.g., bladder, intestine) and play a key role in sensing tissue-damaging and inflammatory stimuli. Paracrine roles for ATP signaling through P2X receptors are likely in neurohypophysis, ducted glands, airway epithelia, kidney, bone, and hemopoietic tissues. In the last case, P2X7 receptor activation stimulates cytokine release by engaging intracellular signaling pathways.