P2X7 Receptor Augments LPS-Induced Nitrosative Stress by Regulating Nrf2 and GSH Levels in the Mouse Hippocampus

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) regulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression/activity in response to various harmful insults. Since P2X7R deletion paradoxically decreases the basal glutathione (GSH) level in the mouse hippocampus, it is likely that P2X7R may increase the demand for GSH for the maintenance of the intracellular redox state or affect other antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate whether P2X7R affects nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity/expression and GSH synthesis under nitrosative stress in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. In the present study, P2X7R deletion attenuated iNOS upregulation and Nrf2 degradation induced by LPS. Compatible with iNOS induction, P2X7R deletion decreased S-nitrosylated (SNO)-cysteine production under physiological and post-LPS treated conditions. P2X7R deletion also ameliorated the decreases in GSH, glutathione synthetase, GS and ASCT2 levels concomitant with the reduced S-nitrosylations of GS and ASCT2 following LPS treatment. Furthermore, LPS upregulated cystine:glutamate transporter (xCT) and glutaminase in P2X7R^+/+ mice, which were abrogated by P2X7R deletion. LPS did not affect GCLC level in both P2X7R^+/+ and P2X7R^−/− mice. Therefore, our findings indicate that P2X7R may augment LPS-induced neuroinflammation by leading to Nrf2 degradation, aberrant glutamate-glutamine cycle and impaired cystine/cysteine uptake, which would inhibit GSH biosynthesis. Therefore, we suggest that the targeting of P2X7R, which would exert nitrosative stress with iNOS in a positive feedback manner, may be one of the important therapeutic strategies of nitrosative stress under pathophysiological conditions.

Purinergic receptor ligands: the cytokine storm attenuators, potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), at first, was reported in Wuhan, China, and then rapidly became pandemic throughout the world. Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) in COVID-19 patients is associated with high levels of cytokines and chemokines that cause multiple organ failure, systemic inflammation, and hemodynamic instabilities. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a common complication of COVID-19, is a consequence of cytokine storm. In this regard, several drugs have been being investigated to suppress this inflammatory condition. Purinergic signaling receptors comprising of P1 adenosine and P2 purinoceptors play a critical role in inflammation. Therefore, activation or inhibition of some subtypes of these kinds of receptors is most likely to be beneficial to attenuate cytokine storm. This article summarizes suggested therapeutic drugs with potential anti-inflammatory effects through purinergic receptors.

Pharmacological strategies for targeting platelet activation in asthma

The activation of platelets during host defence and inflammatory disorders has become increasingly documented. Clinical studies of patients with asthma reveal heightened platelet activation and accumulation into lung tissue. Accompanying studies in animal models of allergic lung inflammation, using protocols of experimentally induced thrombocytopenia proclaim an important role for platelets during the leukocyte recruitment cascade, tissue integrity, and lung function. The functions of platelets during these inflammatory events are clearly distinct to platelet functions during haemostasis and clot formation, and have led to the concept that a dichotomy (or polytomy, depending on what else platelets do) in platelet activation exists. The platelet, therefore, presents us with novel opportunities for modulating these inflammatory responses. This review discusses the rationale and effectiveness of current anti-platelet drugs in their use to supress inflammation with regard to asthma, and the need to consider novel possibilities for pharmacological modulation of platelet function associated with inflammation that are pharmacologically distinct to current anti-platelet therapies.

Nucleotides regulate the common molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative diseases; Therapeutic implications

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by a progressive loss of neuronal function which results in neuronal death. Although a specific toxic factor has been identified for each ND, all of them share common pathological molecular mechanisms favouring the disease development. In the final stages of ND, patients become unable to take care of themselves and decline to a total functional incapacitation that leads to their death. Some of the main factors which contribute to the disease progression include proteasomal dysfunction, neuroinflammation, synaptic alterations, protein aggregation, and oxidative stress. Over recent years, evidence has been accumulated to suggest that purinergic signaling plays a key role in the aforementioned molecular pathways. In this review, we revise the implications of the purinergic signaling in the common molecular mechanism underlying the ND. In particular, we focus on the role of the purinergic receptors P2X7, P2Y₂ and the ectoenzyme tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP).

Immune System Involvement in Specific Pain Conditions

Chronic pain is a significant problem worldwide and is the most common disability in the United States. It is well known that the immune system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of many chronic pain conditions. The involvement of the immune system can be through the release of autoantibodies, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, or via cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators (i.e. substance P, histamine, bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and prostaglandins). Immune cells, such as T cells, B cells and their antibodies, and microglia are clearly key players in immune-related pain. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the immune system involvement in pain and to outline how it relates to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and diabetic neuropathy. The immune system plays a major role in many debilitating chronic pain conditions and we believe that animal models of disease and their treatments should be more directly focused on these interactions.

Efficient biosynthesis of a Cecropin A-melittin mutant in Bacillus subtilis WB700

The efficient production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for clinical applications has attracted the attention of the scientific community. To develop a novel microbial cell factory for the efficient biosynthesis of a cecropin A-melittin mutant (CAM-W), a recombinant Bacillus subtilis WB700 expression system was genetically modified with a novel vector, including a fusion gene encoding CAM-W, the autoprotease EDDIE and the signal peptide SacB under the control of the maltose-inducible promoter P_glv. A total of 159 mg of CAM-W was obtained from 1 L of fermentation supernatant. The purified CAM-W showed a consistent size with the expected molecular weight of 3.2 kDa. Our findings suggest that this novel expression system can be used as a powerful tool for the efficient production of CAM-W.

Regulation of proteasome activity by P2Y2 receptor underlies the neuroprotective effects of extracellular nucleotides

The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) is essential for the regulation of the cellular proteostasis. Indeed, it has been postulated that an UPS dysregulation is the common mechanism that underlies several neurological disorders. Considering that extracellular nucleotides, through their selective P2Y₂ receptor (P2Y₂R), play a neuroprotective role in various neurological disorders that course with an UPS impairment, we wonder if this neuroprotective capacity resulted from their ability to modulate the UPS. Using a cellular model expressing two different UPS reporters, we found that the stimulation of P2Y₂R by its selective agonist Up₄U induced a significant reduction of UPS reporter levels. This reduction was due to an increase in two of the three peptidase proteasome activities, chymotrypsin and postglutamyl, caused by an increased expression of proteasome constitutive catalytic subunits β1 and β5. The intracellular signaling pathway involved required the activation of IP₃/MEK1/2/ERK but was independent of PKC or PKA. Interestingly, the P2Y₂R activation was able to revert both UPS-reporter accumulation and the cell death induced by a prolonged inhibition of UPS. Finally, we also observed that intracerebroventricular administration of Up₄U induced a significant increase both of chymotrypsin and postglutamyl activities as well as an increased expression of proteasome subunits β1 and β5 in the hippocampus of wild-type mice, but not in P2Y₂R KO mice. All these results strongly suggest that the capacity to modulate the UPS activity via P2Y₂R is the molecular mechanism which is how the nucleotides play a neuroprotective role in neurological disorders.

P2X7 as a new target for chrysophanol to treat lipopolysaccharide-induced depression in mice

P2X7 receptor is a ligand gated ion channel found peripheral macrophages and microglia in the nervous system. The current study investigated the relationship between the activated P2X7 and depression for the first time. Chrysophanol (Chr) was examined for its protective effects against depression targeting P2X7. Chr (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20mg/kg) were intragastrically treated once daily for 7 consecutive days. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to develop depression model 30min after drug administration on day 7. Behavioral tests were measured 24h after LPS injection. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of P2X7/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were assessed by western blot. The findings showed that Chr remarkably reduced the elevations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α caused by LPS stimulation. The expressions of P2X7, p-IKKα, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα and p-NF-κBp65 were significantly decreased by Chr pretreatment. In addition, immobility time in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were reduced by Chr without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity in open filed test (OFT) and the preference for sucrose was also recovered in sucrose preference test (SPT) with Chr preconditioning. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that Chr might exert antidepressant effect through inhibiting P2X7/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The effects of early life lead exposure on the expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mouse pups

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal lead exposure on expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mice offspring. Lead exposure initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Lead acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% groups, respectively. On the 21st postnatal day, the Pb levels were also determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in hippocampus was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The lead levels in blood and hippocampus of all lead exposure groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of P2X7 receptor was increased in lead exposed groups (P<0.05), but the expression of synaptophysin was decreased (P<0.05). The high expression of P2X7 receptor and low expression of synaptophysin in the hippocampus of pups may contribute to the neurotoxicity associated with maternal Pb exposure.

Cecropin A-melittin mutant with improved proteolytic stability and enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi associated with gastroenteritis in vitro

Cecropin A-melittin (CAM), a chimeric antimicrobial peptide with potent antimicrobial activity, is threatened by some special extracellular proteases when used to deal with certain drug-resistant pathogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, a four-tryptophan-substitution mutant (CAM-W) from CAM was developed via the replacement of special amino acid residues to enhance the antimicrobial potency and to improve the proteolytic stability of this agent. The pharmaceutical index of CAM-W was investigated, with a focus on biological potency, cytotoxicity, and proteolytic stability, as well as pH and thermal resistance. CAM-W exhibited potent antimicrobial activity and was approximately 3-12 times higher than that of CAM. CAM-W also exhibited a strong antifungal activity against a series of common pathogenic fungi, in a lower IC50 range between 2.1mg/L and 3.3mg/L than that of its reference CAM ranging from 9.8mg/L to 14.2mg/L. Besides, CAM-W showed moderate cytotoxicity (IC50>300mg/L) in erythrocyte lysis test. In addition, CAM-W overcame challenges under various conditions, including specific temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90°C), pH values (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0), and proteases (trypsin, pepsin, human neutrophil elastase, Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase, and Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease) that are commonly present in human gastrointestinal tract. These results suggest that the four-tryptophan-substitution can confer CAM-W with a high pharmaceutical index, which is important for CAM-W to become a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics against bacteria and fungi associated with gastroenteritis.

Nucleotide receptor P2RX7 stimulation enhances LPS-induced interferon-β production in murine macrophages

Stimulation of P2RX(7) with extracellular ATP potentiates numerous LPS-induced proinflammatory events, including cytokine induction in macrophages, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not well defined. Although P2RX(7) ligation has been proposed to activate several transcription factors, many of the LPS-induced mediators affected by P2RX(7) activation are not induced by P2RX(7) agonists alone, suggesting a complementary role for P2RX(7) in transcriptional regulation. Type I IFN production, whose expression is tightly controlled by multiple transcription factors that form an enhanceosome, is critical for resistance against LPS-containing bacteria. The effect of purinergic receptor signaling on LPS-dependent type I IFN is unknown and would be of great relevance to a diverse array of inflammatory conditions. The present study demonstrates that stimulation of macrophages with P2RX(7) agonists substantially enhances LPS-induced IFN-β expression, and this enhancement is ablated in macrophages that do not express functional P2RX(7) or when the MAPK MEK1/2 pathways are inhibited. Potentiation of LPS-induced IFN-β expression following P2RX(7) stimulation is likely transcriptionally regulated, as this enhancement is observed at the IFN-β promoter level. Furthermore, P2RX(7) stimulation is able to increase the phosphorylation and subsequent IFN-β promoter occupancy of IRF-3, a transcription factor that is critical for IFN-β transcription by TLR agonists. This newly discovered role for P2RX(7) in IFN regulation may have implications in antimicrobial defense, which has been linked to P2RX(7) activation in other studies.

A combined omics study on activated macrophages--enhanced role of STATs in apoptosis, immunity and lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been studied extensively because this model system mimics the physiological context of bacterial infection and subsequent inflammatory responses. Previous studies on macrophages elucidated the biological roles of caspase-1 in post-translational activation of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in inflammation and apoptosis. However, the results from these studies focused only on a small number of factors. To better understand the host response, we have performed a high-throughput study of Kdo2-lipid A (KLA)-primed macrophages stimulated with ATP.

RESULTS

The study suggests that treating mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with KLA and ATP produces 'synergistic' effects that are not seen with treatment of KLA or ATP alone. The synergistic regulation of genes related to immunity, apoptosis and lipid metabolism is observed in a time-dependent manner. The synergistic effects are produced by nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and activator protein (AP)-1 through regulation of their target cytokines. The synergistically regulated cytokines then activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors that result in enhanced immunity, apoptosis and lipid metabolism; STAT1 enhances immunity by promoting anti-microbial factors; and STAT3 contributes to downregulation of cell cycle and upregulation of apoptosis. STAT1 and STAT3 also regulate glycerolipid and eicosanoid metabolism, respectively. Further, western blot analysis for STAT1 and STAT3 showed that the changes in transcriptomic levels were consistent with their proteomic levels. In summary, this study shows the synergistic interaction between the toll-like receptor and purinergic receptor signaling during macrophage activation on bacterial infection.

AVAILABILITY

Time-course data of transcriptomics and lipidomics can be queried or downloaded from http://www.lipidmaps.org.

CONTACT

shankar@ucsd.edu.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

P2X7 receptor activation contributes to an initial upstream mechanism of lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular dysfunction

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and ROS (reactive oxygen species) are excessively produced in endotoxaemia. However, attempting to inhibit all of these inflammatory signalling pathways at the same time in order to prevent endotoxaemia is difficult. In a previous study we observed that activation of P2X7 receptors elicited the release of IL (interleukin)-1β from LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-incubated vessels. In the present study, we hypothesize that P2X7 receptor activation is the initial event leading to vascular dysfunction following LPS treatment. LPS-induced decreases in MAP (mean arterial pressure) and pressor responses to NE (noradrenaline) were attenuated in P2X7KO (P2X7-knockout) mice. Hyporeactivity in response to PE (phenylephrine) in isolated mesenteric arteries by LPS treatment was also observed in C57BL/6 [WT (wild-type)] mice, which was prevented by IL1ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and indomethacin and in P2X7KO mice. In addition, treatment with IL1ra plus L-NAME produced an additive inhibition of LPS-induced vascular hyporeactivity, suggesting different signalling pathways between IL-1β and NOS (NO synthase). LPS-induced plasma levels of IL-1β, TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α), IL-10, vascular eNOS (endothelial NOS) and COX2 (cyclo-oxygenase 2) protein expression, as determined by ELISA and Western blot, observed in WT mice were inhibited by IL1ra and in P2X7KO mice. These results suggest that P2X7 receptor activation involves an initial upstream mechanism of LPS-induced vascular dysfunction, which is associated with IL-1β-mediated eNOS, COX2 activation and TNFα release.

Neurochemical Changes in the Mouse Hippocampus Underlying the Antidepressant Effect of Genetic Deletion of P2X7 Receptors

Recent investigations have revealed that the genetic deletion of P2X7 receptors (P2rx7) results in an antidepressant phenotype in mice. However, the link between the deficiency of P2rx7 and changes in behavior has not yet been explored. In the present study, we studied the effect of genetic deletion of P2rx7 on neurochemical changes in the hippocampus that might underlie the antidepressant phenotype. P2X7 receptor deficient mice (P2rx7−/−) displayed decreased immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) and an attenuated anhedonia response in the sucrose preference test (SPT) following bacterial endotoxin (LPS) challenge. The attenuated anhedonia was reproduced through systemic treatments with P2rx7 antagonists. The activation of P2rx7 resulted in the concentration-dependent release of [³H]glutamate in P2rx7+/+ but not P2rx7−/− mice, and the NR2B subunit mRNA and protein was upregulated in the hippocampus of P2rx7−/− mice. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was higher in saline but not LPS-treated P2rx7−/− mice; the P2rx7 antagonist Brilliant blue G elevated and the P2rx7 agonist benzoylbenzoyl ATP (BzATP) reduced BDNF level. This effect was dependent on the activation of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors but not on Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR_1,5). An increased 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was also observed in the dentate gyrus derived from P2rx7−/− mice. Basal level of 5-HT was increased, whereas the 5HIAA/5-HT ratio was lower in the hippocampus of P2rx7−/− mice, which accompanied the increased uptake of [³H]5-HT and an elevated number of [³H]citalopram binding sites. The LPS-induced elevation of 5-HT level was absent in P2rx7−/− mice. In conclusion there are several potential mechanisms for the antidepressant phenotype of P2rx7−/− mice, such as the absence of P2rx7-mediated glutamate release, elevated basal BDNF production, enhanced neurogenesis and increased 5-HT bioavailability in the hippocampus.

Splice variants of the P2X7 receptor reveal differential agonist dependence and functional coupling with pannexin-1

P2X7 receptors function as ATP-gated cation channels but also interact with other proteins as part of a larger signalling complex to mediate a variety of downstream responses that are dependent upon the cell type in which they are expressed. Receptor-mediated membrane permeabilization to large molecules precedes the induction of cell death, but remains poorly understood. The mechanisms that underlie differential sensitivity to NAD are also unknown. By studying alternative variants of the mouse P2X7 receptor we show that sensitivity to NAD is mediated through the P2X7k variant, which has a much more restricted distribution than the P2X7a receptor, but is expressed in T lymphocytes. The altered N-terminus and TM1 of the P2X7k receptor enhances the stability of the active state of this variant compared with P2X7a, thereby increasing the efficacy of NAD-dependent ADP ribosylation as measured by ethidium uptake, a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) and the activation of inward currents. Co-expression of P2X7k and P2X7a receptors reduced NAD sensitivity. P2X7k-receptor-mediated ethidium uptake was also triggered by much lower BzATP concentrations and was insensitive to the P451L single nucleotide polymorphism. P2X7k-receptor-mediated ethidium uptake occurred independently of pannexin-1 suggesting a pathway intrinsic to the receptor. Only for the P2X7aL451 receptor could we resolve a component of dye uptake dependent upon pannexin-1. Signalling occurred downstream of the activation of caspases rather than involving direct cross talk between the channels. However, an in situ proximity assay showed close association between P2X7 receptors and pannexin-1, which would facilitate ATP efflux through pannexin-1 acting in an autocrine manner.

Glibenclamide reduces proinflammatory cytokines in an ex vivo model of human endotoxinaemia under hypoxaemic conditions

AIMS

In vivo application of the K(ATP)-channel blocker glibenclamide can reverse endotoxin-induced hypotension, vascular hyporeactivity and shock in experimental animals. The hypothesis of the present study is, that the drug effects might not only be based on direct inhibition of K(ATP)-channels of vascular smooth muscle cells, but might also reflect reduction of shock-induced excess proinflammatory cytokines and procoagulatory molecules produced in the blood monocytes.

MAIN METHODS

Human whole blood (normoxaemic or hypoxaemic) supplemented ex vivo with 100 ng/ml LPS was used to assess glibenclamide (3-100 μM) effects on IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, tissue factor, and plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-2 (PAI-2). Co-incubations with monocytes and erythrocytes and cytosolic calcium measurements were performed to reveal their purinergic intercellular interaction.

KEY FINDINGS

In heparinized blood, glibenclamide reduced LPS-induced release of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, tissue factor and PAI-2 mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. When samples were subjected to strong hypoxemia using 95% N(2)/5% CO(2), these parameters became even more sensitive to the drug. No drug effect was observable in citrated blood or in isolated monocytes. IL-1 beta mRNA inhibition by glibenclamide appeared to be dependent on P2X7-receptor activation of monocytes by ATP-releasing erythrocytes during hypoxia. Cytosolic calcium values as well as the duration of calcium transients elicited by P2X7-receptor stimulation in isolated monocytes were strongly increased during hypoxia, both of which could be abolished by glibenclamide.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that the anti-inflammatory effect of glibenclamide is mainly based on the reduction of calcium entry by drug-induced depolarization of hypoxic monocytes. Thus, glibenclamide possesses a potentially beneficial shock-specific anti-inflammatory action.

The roles of P2X7 receptor in regional-specific microglial responses in the rat brain following status epilepticus

Recently, we have reported that astroglial activations in response to status epilepticus (SE) show regional-specific manners in the rat hippocampus. However, it is unknown that microglial responses to SE would show regional-specific patterns. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the regional-specific microglial activation and relationship between P2X7 receptor functions and SE-induced microglial responses in the rat brain. Following SE, microglia appeared amoeboid or phagocytic in the dentate gyrus and the piriform cortex. In contrast, elongated microglia were observed in the CA1 hippocampal regions and the frontoparietal cortex. In the dentate gyrus, the CA1 hippocampal regions, and the frontoparietal cortex, these microglial activation accelerated by BzATP (a P2X7 receptor agonist)-infusion, but inhibited by OxATP (a P2X7 receptor antagonist). However, SE-induced microglial activation in the piriform cortex was not affected by BzATP or OxATP-infusion. Therefore, our findings indicate that SE-induced microglial activation may show regional-specific manners, and suggest that P2X7 receptor function differently modulates SE-induced microglial responses in distinct brain regions.

P2X7 receptor activation ameliorates CA3 neuronal damage via a tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated pathway in the rat hippocampus following status epilepticus

BACKGROUND

The release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) appears depend on the P2X7 receptor, a purinergic receptor. In the present study, we addressed the question of whether P2X7 receptor-mediated TNF-α regulation is involved in pathogenesis and outcome of status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

SE was induced by pilocarpine in rats that were intracerebroventricularly infused with saline-, 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), adenosine 5'-triphosphate-2',3'-dialdehyde (OxATP), A-438079, or A-740003 prior to SE induction. Thereafter, we performed Fluoro-Jade B staining and immunohistochemical studies for TNF-α and NF-κB subunit phosphorylations.

RESULTS

Following SE, P2X7 receptor agonist (BzATP) infusion increased TNF-α immunoreactivity in dentate granule cells as compared with that in saline-infused animals. In addition, TNF-α immunoreactivity was readily apparent in the mossy fibers, while TNF-α immunoreactivity in CA1-3 pyramidal cells was unaltered. However, P2X7 receptor antagonist (OxATP-, A-438079, and A-740003) infusion reduced SE-induced TNF-α expression in dentate granule cells. In the CA3 region, BzATP infusion attenuated SE-induced neuronal damage, accompanied by enhancement of p65-Ser276 and p65-Ser311 NF-κB subunit phosphorylations. In contrast, OxATP-, A-438079, and A-740003 infusions increased SE-induced neuronal death. Soluble TNF p55 receptor (sTNFp55R), and cotreatment with BzATP and sTNFp55R infusion also increased SE-induced neuronal damage in CA3 region. However, OxATP-, sTNFp55R or BzATP+sTNFp55R infusions could not exacerbate SE-induced neuronal damages in the dentate gyrus and the CA1 region, as compared to BzATP infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that TNF-α induction by P2X7 receptor activation may ameliorate SE-induced CA3 neuronal damage via enhancing NF-κB p65-Ser276 and p65-Ser311 phosphorylations.

P2X7 receptor positively regulates MyD88-dependent NF-κB activation

Recent studies have demonstrated that P2X7 plays a critical role in the immune system. Here, our results showed that P2X7 activated a NF-κB - but not an IFN-β-dependent luciferase reporter gene in HEK293T cells. P2X7 was involved in the LPS- and ATP-induced NF-κB activation but did not significantly impact the response to Zymosan in RAW264.7 cells. The activation of NF-κB and IFN-β induced by myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) was enhanced by P2X7 co-expression. The siRNA silencing MyD88 almost abolished the NF-κB activation induced by P2X7, and co-immunoprecipitation showed that P2X7 interacted with MyD88. The amino acids in the C-terminus, especially the LPS-binding region of P2X7, were critical for the cellular localization and immune function of P2X7. P2X7ΔC (190 amino acids deleted in the C-terminus) and P2X7 G586A variants localized throughout the cytoplasma with a little aggregation, which differs from the cell membrane localization of wild type P2X7. Both of them could not localize to Golgi or endoplasmic reticulum. P2X7ΔC and P2X7 G586A had impaired proteolytic cleavage of caspase-1 into the functional p20 subunit, which can activate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β. P2X7 G586A also showed a slight interaction with MyD88 in our co-immunoprecipitation experiment. This interaction might result in the attenuated activation of NF-κB and IFN-β induced by MyD88.

P2X7 receptor differentially modulates astroglial apoptosis and clasmatodendrosis in the rat brain following status epilepticus

Recently, it has been reported that astroglial loss/dysfunction plays a role in epileptogenesis. In addition, astroglial loss is accompanied by up-regulation of P2X7 receptor expression in microglia. Therefore, we investigated whether P2X7 receptor is involved in astroglial damages induced by status epilepticus (SE). In the present study, astroglial loss showed the regional-specific manner and the differential responses to P2X7 receptor functions. Both OxATP and brilliant blue G (P2X7 receptor antagonists) infusion prevented apoptotic astroglial loss in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the frontoparietal cortex, while it promoted clasmatodendrosis in the CA1 region as compared to saline treatment. In contrast, BzATP (a P2X7 receptor agonist) treatment exacerbated apoptotic astroglial loss in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the frontoparietal cortex, but alleviated SE-induced astroglial swelling in the CA1 region. Astroglial loss in the piriform cortex was not affected by P2X7 receptor agonist- or antagonist-infusion. These findings suggest that P2X7 receptor function differently modulates SE-induced astroglial loss in distinct brain regions.

Mutation of putative N-linked glycosylation sites on the human nucleotide receptor P2X7 reveals a key residue important for receptor function

The nucleotide receptor P2X(7) is an immunomodulatory cation channel and a potential therapeutic target. P2X(7) is expressed in immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages and is activated by extracellular ATP following tissue injury or infection. Ligand binding to P2X(7) can stimulate ERK1/2, the transcription factor CREB, enzymes linked to the production of reactive oxygen species and interleukin-1 isoforms, and the formation of a nonspecific pore. However, little is known about the biochemistry of P2X(7), including whether the receptor is N-linked glycosylated and if this modification affects receptor function. Here we provide evidence that P2X(7) is sensitive to the glycosidases EndoH and PNGase F and that the human receptor appears glycosylated at N187, N202, N213, N241, and N284. Mutation of N187 results in weakened P2X(7) agonist-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, CREB, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase, as well as a decreased level of pore formation. In further support of a role for glycosylation in receptor function, treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with the N-linked glycosylation synthesis inhibitor tunicamycin attenuates P2X(7) agonist-induced, but not phorbol ester-induced, ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Interestingly, residue N187 belongs to an N-linked glycosylation consensus sequence found in six of the seven P2X family members, suggesting this site is fundamentally important to P2X receptor function. To address the mechanism whereby N187 mutation attenuates receptor activity, we developed a live cell proteinase K digestion assay that demonstrated altered cell surface expression of P2X(7) N187A. This is the first report to map human P2X(7) glycosylation sites and reveal residue N187 is critical for receptor trafficking and function.

Extracellular NAD(+) induces a rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in activated human monocytes via engagement of P2Y(1) and P2Y(11) receptors

Extracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) is known to increase the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) in different cell types and by various mechanisms. Here we show that NAD(+) triggers a transient rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in human monocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is caused by a release of Ca(2+) from IP(3)-responsive intracellular stores and an influx of extracellular Ca(2+). By the use of P2 receptor-selective agonists and antagonists we demonstrate that P2 receptors play a role in the NAD(+)-induced calcium response in activated monocytes. Of the two subclasses of P2 receptors (P2X and P2Y) the P2Y receptors were considered the most likely candidates, since they share calcium signaling properties with NAD(+). The identification of P2Y(1) and P2Y(11) as receptor subtypes responsible for the NAD(+)-triggered increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was supported by several lines of evidence. First, specific P2Y(1) and P2Y(11) receptor antagonists inhibited the NAD(+)-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Second, NAD(+) was shown to potently induce calcium signals in cells transfected with either subtype, whereas untransfected cells were unresponsive. Third, NAD(+) caused an increase in [cAMP](i), prevented by the P2Y(11) receptor-specific antagonist NF157.

Cell signaling via the P2X(7) nucleotide receptor: linkage to ROS production, gene transcription, and receptor trafficking

Extracellular nucleotides can act as important intercellular signals in diverse biological processes, including the enhanced production of factors that are key to immune response regulation. One receptor that binds extracellular adenosine triphosphate released at sites of infection and injury is P2X(7), which is an ionotrophic receptor that can also lead to the formation of a non-specific pore, activate multiple mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and stimulate the production of immune mediators including interleukin family members and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present report, we have investigated the signaling mechanisms by which P2X(7) promotes monocytic cell mediator production and induces transcription factor expression/phosphorylation, as well as how receptor-associated pore activity is regulated by intracellular trafficking. We report that P2X(7) stimulates ROS production in macrophages through the MAPKs ERK1/2 and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex, activates several transcription factors including cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein and components of the activating protein-1 complex, and contains specific sequences within its intracellular C-terminus that appear critical for its activity. Altogether, these data further implicate P2X(7) activation and signaling as a fundamental modulator of macrophage immune responses.

Blockade of P2X receptor prevents astroglial death in the dentate gyrus following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

The P(2) receptor is involved in diverse signal cascades, including the initiation of the rapid release and processing of proinflammatory cytokines, the induction of cytoskeletal rearrangements and transcription factor activation. Therefore, we investigated whether blocking the P(2) receptor would prevent the astroglial death induced by status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

We performed seizure induction and drug treatments. After tissue processing, we executed immunoreactivities: mouse anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) IgG (diluted 1 : 200; Chemicon, Billerica, MA, USA rabbit anti-P(2)X(7) receptor IgG (diluted 1 : 200; Chemicon).

RESULTS

In control animals, P(2)X(7) receptor-immunoreactive (P(2)X(7)(+)) microglia had small cell bodies with thin ramified processes. Seven days after SE, P(2)X(7) receptor immunoreactivity in microglia was significantly elevated in the dentate gyrus, and the microglia appeared amoeboid or phagocytic. At this point, loss of GFAP immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus was even more pronounced, indicating that the network of astrocytes was disrupted and a large empty zone was observed. Treatment with pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid and suramin (2, 20 and 200 mg/kg, i.p., respectively) markedly, but not completely, inhibited microglial activation following SE. The morphology of microglia was similar to that of the astrocytes in that they appeared hyper-ramified. In addition, P(2)X(7) receptor antagonist treatments effectively prevented astroglial degeneration.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that astroglial death induced by ATP-mediated microglia activation may be an important pathophysiological pathway in epileptogenesis.

MicroRNAs miR-186 and miR-150 down-regulate expression of the pro-apoptotic purinergic P2X7 receptor by activation of instability sites at the 3'-untranslated region of the gene that decrease steady-state levels of the transcript

The P2X7 receptor regulates cell growth through mediation of apoptosis. P2X7 levels are lower in cancer epithelial cells than in normal cells, and previous studies showed that expression of P2X7 was regulated post-transcriptionally. The objective of the study was to understand regulation of P2X7 mRNA stability. Overexpression of a reporter containing the full-length human P2X7 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) or reporters containing parts of the 3'-UTR-P2X7 were associated with increased abundance of the construct in normal cells and decreased abundance in cancer epithelial cells. Sequences within the 3'-UTR-P2X7, which are putative target sites for the microRNAs, miR-186 (middle segment) and miR-150 (distal segment), decreased the abundance of the P2X7 transcript. Overexpression in cancer cells of mutated miR-186 and miR-150 target sites was associated with lower levels of the reporter genes. In normal cells overexpression of the mutated miR-186 target site was associated with marked increased concentration, but overexpression of the miR-150 target site reporters, wild-type and mutant, did not change over time. Levels of miR-186 and miR-150 were higher in cancer than in normal cells, and treatment with miR-186 and miR-150 inhibitors increased P2X7 mRNA. In human embryonic kidney-293 cells heterologously expressing the full-length 3'-UTR-P2X7 luciferase reporter, miR-186 and miR-150 inhibitors increased luciferase activity, whereas miR-186 and miR-150 mimics decreased luciferase activity after actinomycin D treatment. These data suggest that increased expression of miR-186 and miR-150 in cancer epithelial cells decreases P2X7 mRNA by activation of miR-186 and miR-150 instability target sites located at the 3'-UTR-P2X7.

The nucleotide receptor P2RX7 mediates ATP-induced CREB activation in human and murine monocytic cells

Nucleotide receptors serve as sensors of extracellular ATP and are important for immune function. The nucleotide receptor P2RX7 is a cell-surface, ligand-gated cation channel that has been implicated in many diseases, including arthritis, granuloma formation, sepsis, and tuberculosis. These disorders are often exacerbated by excessive mediator release from activated macrophages in the inflammatory microenvironment. Although P2RX7 activation can modulate monocyte/macrophage-induced inflammatory events, the relevant molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies suggest that MAPK cascades and transcriptional control via CREB-linked pathways regulate the inflammatory capacity of monocytic cells. As P2RX7 promotes MAPK activation and inflammatory mediator production, we examined the involvement MAPK-induced CREB activation in P2RX7 action. Our data reveal that stimulation of multiple monocytic cell lines with P2RX7 agonists induces rapid CREB phosphorylation. In addition, we observed a lack of nucleotide-induced CREB phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells expressing nonfunctional P2RX7 and a gain of nucleotide-induced CREB phosphorylation in human embryonic kidney-293 cells that heterologously express human P2RX7. Furthermore, our results indicate that P2RX7 agonist-induced CREB phosphorylation is partly mediated via Ca(2+) fluxes and the MEK/ERK system. Mechanistic analyses revealed that macrophage stimulation with a P2RX7 agonist induces CREB/CREB-binding protein complex formation, which is necessary for CREB transcriptional activation. Also, we demonstrate that P2RX7 activation induces a known CREB-dependent gene (c-fos) and that dominant-negative CREB constructs attenuate this response. These studies support the idea that P2RX7 stimulation can directly regulate protein expression that is not dependent on costimulation with other immune modulators such as LPS.

Periodate oxidized ATP (oATP) reduces hyperalgesia in mice: involvement of P2X7 receptors and implications for therapy

Some inflammatory mediators play an important role not only in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory pain, but also in that of neuropathic and visceral pain. We previously showed the antihyperalgesic effect of oATP, the inhibitor of the P2X7 receptors for the pro-nociceptive ATP, in experimental inflammation. Here we show the antihyperalgesic effect of oATP in mouse models of neuropathic and visceral pain, other than in a model of arthritic pain mimicking rheumatoid arthritis in humans. We also show that mice lacking P2X7 receptors (KO) are resistant to hyperalgesic thermal stimuli following the induction of arthritic, neuropathic and visceral pain. Local (injection into the right hind paw) pre-treatment with oATP is able to prevent the successive induction of ATP-dependent hyperalgesia in wild type mice. In addition, KO mice are not insensitive to intraplantar treatment with ATP. Our data suggest that, even if oATP is able to inhibit purinoceptors different from P2X7, the latter are the more important involved in pain transmission.

Nucleotide receptor signaling in murine macrophages is linked to reactive oxygen species generation

Macrophage activation is critical in the innate immune response and can be regulated by the nucleotide receptor P2X7. In this regard, P2X7 signaling is not well understood but has been implicated in controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by various leukocytes. Although ROS can contribute to microbial killing, the role of ROS in nucleotide-mediated cell signaling is unclear. In this study, we report that the P2X7 agonists ATP and 3'-O-(4-benzoyl) benzoic ATP (BzATP) stimulate ROS production by RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. These effects are potentiated in lipopolysaccharide-primed cells, demonstrating an important interaction between extracellular nucleotides and microbial products in ROS generation. In terms of nucleotide receptor specificity, RAW 264.7 macrophages that are deficient in P2X7 are greatly reduced in their capacity to generate ROS in response to BzATP treatment (both with and without LPS priming), thus supporting a role for P2X7 in this process. Because MAP kinase activation is key for nucleotide regulation of macrophage function, we also tested the hypothesis that P2X7-mediated MAP kinase activation is dependent on ROS production. We observed that BzATP stimulates MAP kinase (ERK1/ERK2, p38, and JNK1/JNK2) phosphorylation and that the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid strongly attenuate BzATP-mediated JNK1/JNK2 and p38 phosphorylation but only slightly reduce BzATP-induced ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation. These studies reveal that P2X7 can contribute to macrophage ROS production, that this effect is potentiated upon lipopolysaccharide exposure, and that ROS are important participants in the extracellular nucleotide-mediated activation of several MAP kinase systems.

Epileptogenic roles of astroglial death and regeneration in the dentate gyrus of experimental temporal lobe epilepsy

Recent studies have demonstrated that blockade of neuronal death in the hippocampus cannot prevent epileptogenesis in various epileptic models. These reports indicate that neurodegeneration alone is insufficient to cause epilepsy, and that the role of astrocytes in epileptogenesis should be reconsidered. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate whether altered morphological organization or the functionalities of astrocytes induced by status epilepticus (SE) is responsible for epileptogenesis. Glial responses (reactive microgliosis followed by astroglial death) in the dentate gyrus induced by pilocarpine-induced SE were found to precede neuronal damage and these alterations were closely related to abnormal neurotransmission related to altered vesicular glutamate and GABA transporter expressions, and mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus. In addition, newly generated astrocytes showed down-regulated expressions of glutamine synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glial GABA transporter. Taken together, our findings suggest that glial responses after SE may contribute to epileptogenesis and the acquisition of the properties of the epileptic hippocampus. Thus, we believe that it is worth considering new therapeutic approaches to epileptogenesis involving targeting the inactivation of microglia and protecting against astroglial loss.

Identification of Thr283 as a key determinant of P2X7 receptor function

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The ATP-gated P2X(7) receptor is an unusual ion channel that couples to multiple downstream signalling cascades. We noted differences in mouse cDNA sequences that may indicate polymorphisms; the aim of this study was to compare function and expression of these mouse P2X(7) receptor mutations.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

There are three differences in the sequences of P2X(7) cDNA cloned from mouse NTW8 microglial cells or C57 BL/6 mice: [Phe(11),Ala(221),Met(283)]P2X(7) in the former and [Leu(11),Thr(221),Thr(283)]P2X(7) in the latter. We expressed these receptors and measured membrane currents, ethidium uptake, calcium influx and surface membrane expression. We also carried out these assays on the previously described polymorphism observed between C57 BL/6 and Balb/c mice ([Leu(451)]P2X(7) vs [Pro(451)]P2X(7)).

KEY RESULTS

Maximum current densities at [Phe(11),Ala(221),Met(283)]P2X(7) were <12% of those at [Leu(11),Thr(221),Thr(283)]P2X(7) without change in the agonist concentration-response. Replacing methionine with threonine at residue 283 yielded a receptor whose properties were the same as [Leu(11),Thr(221),Thr(283)]P2X(7). Replacing T283 in the rat P2X(7) receptor with methionine yielded currents that were <10% of wildtype and no ethidium uptake was associated with its activation. Maximum current densities and agonist EC(50) values were the same at mouse [Thr(283),Leu(451)]P2X(7) and [Thr(283),Pro(451)]P2X(7) but ethidium uptake and Fluo4 fluorescence were significantly reduced at the [Thr(283),Leu(451)]P2X(7) receptor. There was equivalent surface membrane expression of all P2X(7) receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has revealed a residue (Thr(283)) in the ectodomain that is critical for P2X(7) receptor function and suggests that the intracellular residue 451 alters downstream signalling independently of ion channel activity.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate and adenosine as endogenous signaling molecules in immunity and inflammation

Human health is under constant threat of a wide variety of dangers, both self and nonself. The immune system is occupied with protecting the host against such dangers in order to preserve human health. For that purpose, the immune system is equipped with a diverse array of both cellular and non-cellular effectors that are in continuous communication with each other. The naturally occurring nucleotide adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and its metabolite adenosine (Ado) probably constitute an intrinsic part of this extensive immunological network through purinergic signaling by their cognate receptors, which are widely expressed throughout the body. This review provides a thorough overview of the effects of ATP and Ado on major immune cell types. The overwhelming evidence indicates that ATP and Ado are important endogenous signaling molecules in immunity and inflammation. Although the role of ATP and Ado during the course of inflammatory and immune responses in vivo appears to be extremely complex, we propose that their immunological role is both interdependent and multifaceted, meaning that the nature of their effects may shift from immunostimulatory to immunoregulatory or vice versa depending on extracellular concentrations as well as on expression patterns of purinergic receptors and ecto-enzymes. Purinergic signaling thus contributes to the fine-tuning of inflammatory and immune responses in such a way that the danger to the host is eliminated efficiently with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

P2X(7) nucleotide receptors mediate caspase-8/9/3-dependent apoptosis in rat primary cortical neurons

Apoptosis is a major cause of cell death in the nervous system. It plays a role in embryonic and early postnatal brain development and contributes to the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that activation of the P2X₇ nucleotide receptor (P2X₇R) in rat primary cortical neurons (rPCNs) causes biochemical (i.e., caspase activation) and morphological (i.e., nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation) changes characteristic of apoptotic cell death. Caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation in rPCNs induced by the P2X₇R agonist BzATP were inhibited by the P2X₇R antagonist oxidized ATP (oATP) or by pre-treatment of cells with P2X₇R antisense oligonucleotide indicating a direct involvement of the P2X₇R in nucleotide-induced neuronal cell death. Moreover, Z-DEVD-FMK, a specific and irreversible cell permeable inhibitor of caspase-3, prevented BzATP-induced apoptosis in rPCNs. In addition, a specific caspase-8 inhibitor, Ac-IETD-CHO, significantly attenuated BzATP-induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, suggesting that P2X₇R-mediated apoptosis in rPCNs occurs primarily through an intrinsic caspase-8/9/3 activation pathway. BzATP also induced the activation of C-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in rPCNs, and pharmacological inhibition of either JNK1 or ERK1/2 significantly reduced caspase activation by BzATP. Taken together, these data indicate that extracellular nucleotides mediate neuronal apoptosis through activation of P2X₇Rs and their downstream signaling pathways involving JNK1, ERK and caspases 8/9/3.

"Host tissue damage" signal ATP promotes non-directional migration and negatively regulates toll-like receptor signaling in human monocytes

The activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by lipopolysaccharide or other ligands evokes a proinflammatory immune response, which is not only capable of clearing invading pathogens but can also inflict damage to host tissues. It is therefore important to prevent an overshoot of the TLR-induced response where necessary, and here we show that extracellular ATP is capable of doing this in human monocytes. Using reverse transcription-PCR, we showed that monocytes express P2Y(1), P2Y(2), P2Y(4), P2Y(11), and P2Y(13) receptors, as well as several P2X receptors. To elucidate the function of these receptors, we first studied Ca(2+) signaling in single cells. ATP or UTP induced a biphasic increase in cytosolic Ca(2+), which corresponded to internal Ca(2+) release followed by activation of store-operated Ca(2+) entry. The evoked Ca(2+) signals stimulated Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, producing transient membrane hyperpolarization. In addition, ATP promoted cytoskeleton reorganization and cell migration; however, unlike chemoattractants, the migration was non-directional and further analysis showed that ATP did not activate Akt, essential for sensing gradients. When TLR2, TLR4, or TLR2/6 were stimulated with their respective ligands, ATPgammaS profoundly inhibited secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) but increased the production of interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In radioimmune assays, we found that ATP (or ATPgammaS) strongly increased cAMP levels, and, moreover, the TLR-response was inhibited by forskolin, whereas UTP neither increased cAMP nor inhibited the TLR-response. Thus, our data suggest that ATP promotes non-directional migration and, importantly, acts as a "host tissue damage" signal via the G(s) protein-coupled P2Y(11) receptor and increased cAMP to negatively regulate TLR signaling.

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.

Remodelling of the PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterase isoform profile upon monocyte-macrophage differentiation of human U937 cells

Monocytes and macrophages provide key targets for the action of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics targeted at inhibition of PDE4 cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases. PDE4 enzymes provide the dominant cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in U937 human monocytic cells. Differentiation of U937 monocytic cells to a macrophage-like phenotype causes a marked reduction in total cellular PDE4 activity. Monocytic U937 cells express the long PDE4A4, PDE4D5 and PDE4D3 isoforms plus the short PDE4B2 isoform. Differentiation of U937 cells to a macrophage-like phenotype causes a marked downregulation of PDE4D3 and PDE4D5, elicits a marked upregulation of PDE4B2 and induces the novel PDE4A10 long isoform. Comparable patterns are found in human peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages differentiated from them. Immunopurification of PDE4 subfamilies identifies long PDE4D isoforms as providing the major PDE4 activity in U937 monocytic cells. In U937 macrophage-like cells, the activity of the short PDE4B2 isoform predominates. No indication of either the expression or induction of PDE4C was evident. Activation of ERK exerts an inhibitory effect on total PDE4 activity in monocytic U937 cells, where the activity of long PDE4 isoforms predominates. The effect of ERK activation is switched to one of overall stimulation of total PDE4 activity in macrophage U937 cells, where the activity of the short PDE4B2 isoform predominates.10 The profound differentiation-induced changes in PDE4 isoform profile identified here suggests that the development of inhibitors specific for particular PDE4 isoforms may allow for selective effects on monocytes and macrophages to be achieved.