P2X4 purinoceptor signaling in chronic pain

ATP, acting via P2 purinergic receptors, is a known mediator of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. There is increasing evidence that the ATP-gated P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) subtype is a locus through which activity of spinal microglia and peripheral macrophages instigate pain hypersensitivity caused by inflammation or by injury to a peripheral nerve. The present article highlights the recent advances in our understanding of microglia-neuron interactions in neuropathic pain by focusing on the signaling and regulation of the P2X4R. We will also develop a framework for understanding converging lines of evidence for involvement of P2X4Rs expressed on macrophages in peripheral inflammatory pain.     

Combinations of TLR and NOD2 ligands stimulate rat microglial P2X4R expression

As ATP-gated ion channels, P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) of microglial cells play a crucial role in central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. In this study, we used rat microglial cell cultures to examine P2X4R expression in response to stimulation by combination of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) receptors. Various TLR1-9 ligands and NOD2 agonist muramyldipeptide (MDP) were investigated. Our results showed that certain combination of ligands had additive effects on upregulating microglial P2X4R at both mRNA and protein levels, and induced nitric oxide increase and tumor necrosis factor-α production. Thus TLRs and NOD2 combinations are contributors to the signaling cascades resulting in purinergic microglial activation.     

Zinc and copper modulate differentially the P2X4 receptor

The rat ATP P2X4 receptor was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to assess the effect of zinc and copper as possible regulators of purinergic mechanisms. ATP applied for 20 s evoked an inward cationic current with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 21.4+/-2.8 microM and a Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.5+/-0.1. Coapplication of ATP plus 10 microM zinc displaced leftward, in a parallel fashion, the ATP concentration-response curve, reducing the EC50 to 8.4+/-1.8 microM (p < 0.01) without altering the receptor nH. The zinc potentiation was fast in onset, easily reversible, and voltage-independent and did not require metal preexposure. The zinc EC50 was 2-5 microM, with a bell-shaped curve. At concentrations of 100-300 microM, zinc produced less potentiation, and at 1 mM, it inhibited 50% the ATP current. The effect of zinc was mimicked by cadmium. In contrast, copper inhibited the ATP-evoked currents in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion, reducing the maximal current (Imax) without altering the EC50. The copper-induced inhibition was slow in onset, slowly reversible, and voltage-independent. Whereas coapplication of 300 microM copper plus ATP reduced Imax to 36.2+/-5%, the coapplication of, or 60-s preexposure by, 10 microM copper reduced Imax to 79+/-9.2% (p < 0.05) and 39.6+/-8.7% (p < 0.01), respectively. The inhibition was noncompetitive in nature and mimicked by mercury. Cobalt, barium, and manganese did not modify significantly the ATP-evoked current, demonstrating metal specificity. The simultaneous 1-min preapplication of both metals revealed that the 10 microM zinc-induced potentiation was obliterated by 10 microM copper, whereas 30 microM copper not only reduced the potentiation, but inhibited the ATP response. Following coapplication of both metals for 20 s with ATP, at least 100 microM copper was required to counteract the 10 microM zinc-induced potentiation. The simultaneous preincubation with both metals provided evidence for a noncompetitive interaction. We hypothesize the existence of metal binding site(s), which are most likely localized in the extracellular domain of the P2X4 receptor structure. These sites are selective and accessible to extracellular metal applications and bind micromolar concentrations of metals. The present results are compatible with the working hypothesis that trace metals, such as copper and zinc, are physiological modulators of the P2X4 receptor. The modulation of brain purinergic transmission by physiologically and toxicologically relevant trace metal cations is highlighted.     

Lack of functional P2X7 receptor aggravates brain edema development after middle cerebral artery occlusion

Effective therapeutic measures against the development of brain edema, a life-threatening complication of cerebral ischemia, are necessary to improve the functional outcome for the patient. Here, we identified a beneficial role of purinergic receptor P2X7 activation in acute ischemic stroke. Involvement of P2X7 in the development of neurological deficits, infarct size, brain edema, and glial responses after ischemic cerebral infarction has been analyzed. Neurologic evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, and immunofluorescence assays were used to characterize the receptor’s effect on the disease progress during 72 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Sham-operated animals were included in all experiments for control purposes. We found P2X7-deficient mice to develop a more prominent brain edema with a trend towards more severe neurological deficits 24 h after tMCAO. Infarct sizes, T2 times, and apparent diffusion coefficients did not differ significantly between wild-type and P2X7^?/? animals. Our results show a characteristic spatial distribution of reactive glia cells with strongly attenuated microglia activation in P2X7^?/? mice 72 h after tMCAO. Our data indicate that P2X7 exerts a role in limiting the early edema formation, possibly by modulating glial responses, and supports later microglia activation.     

Fluvastatin suppresses native and recombinant human P2X4 receptor function

Statins have both cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory activities, whether mechanisms underlying their activities are independent remains unclear. The ATP-gated P2X(4) receptor is a pro-inflammatory mediator. Here, we investigate the action of fluvastatin and other cholesterol depleting agents on native and recombinant human P2X(4) receptor. Fluvastatin and mβCD suppressed P2X(4)-dependent calcium influx in THP-1 monocytes, without affecting P2Y receptor responses. mβCD or filipin III suppressed the current density of recombinant human P2X(4) receptors. Human P2X(2) was insensitive to cholesterol depletion. Cholesterol depletion had no effect on intrinsic P2X(4) receptor properties as judged by ATP concentration-response relationship, receptor rundown or current decay during agonist occupancy. These data suggest fluvastatin suppresses P2X(4) activity in monocytes through cholesterol depletion and not by modulating intrinsic channel properties.     

Rab5 regulates internalisation of P2X4 receptors and potentiation by ivermectin

The P2X4 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed in neurons, endothelia and immune cells. Plasma membrane expression of P2X4 is regulated by dynamin-dependent endocytosis, and this study identifies a Rab5-dependent pathway of receptor internalisation. Expression of Rab5 constructs altered the distribution of P2X4 in HEK-293 cells, and both constitutive internalisation and agonist-induced desensitisation of P2X4 were increased by co-expression of wild-type Rab5 or constitutively active Rab5 (Q79L). Expression of inactive dynamin K44A and Rab5 S34N constructs abolished agonist-induced desensitisation, suggesting internalisation as the underlying mechanism. Blocking P2X4 internalisation in this way also abolished potentiation of ATP-induced currents by the allosteric modulator ivermectin. This suggests that the dynamin-Rab5 internalisation pathway is essential for the ivermectin potentiation effect. In agreement with this hypothesis, the co-expression of wild-type dynamin, wild-type Rab5 or active Rab5 (Q79L) could increase the potentiation of the ATP-induced P2X4 response by ivermectin. These findings highlight Rab5 GTPase as a key regulator of P2X4 receptor cell surface expression and internalisation.     

P2X7 receptor activation leads to increased cell death in a radiosensitive human glioma cell line

Gliomas are the most lethal tumors of central nervous system. ATP is an important signaling molecule in CNS and it is a selective P2X7 purinergic receptor ligand at high concentrations. Herein, we investigated whether the activation of P2X7R might be implicated in death of a radiosensitive human glioma lineage. The effects of P2X7R agonists (ATP and BzATP) and irradiation (2 Gy) on glioma cells were analyzed by MTT assay and annexin-V/PI determination, whereas mRNA and protein P2X7R expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. P2X7R pore formation was functionality examined by analyzing ethidium bromide uptake. The human glioma cells U-138 MG and U-251 MG were resistant to death when treated with either ATP (5 mM) or BzATP (100 μM), but the radiosensitive M059J glioma cells displayed a significant decrease of cell viability (32.4 ± 4.1 % and 25.6 ± 3.3 %, respectively). The M059J lineage expresses significantly higher mRNA P2X7R levels when compared to the U-138 MG and U-251 cell lines (0.40 ± 0.00; 0.28 ± 0.01, and 0.31 ± 0.01, respectively), and irradiation upregulated P2X7R expression (0.55 ± 0.08) in this lineage. Noteworthy, P2X7R protein doubled after irradiation on M059J lineage, and increased in 50 % and 42.6 % when comparing M059J-irradiated to irradiated U-138 MG and U-251 MG cells, respectively. Ethidium bromide uptake was significantly increased in 104 % and 77.8 % when comparing M059J to U-138 MG and U-251MG, respectively. Finally, the selective P2X7R antagonist A740003 significantly decreased the cell death caused by irradiation. We provide novel evidence indicating that M059J human glioma cell line is ATP-P2X7R sensitive, pointing out the relevance of the purinergic P2X7R on glioma radiosensitivity.     

Activation and desensitization of the recombinant P2X1 receptor at nanomolar ATP concentrations

Activation and desensitization kinetics of the rat P2X1 receptor at nanomolar ATP concentrations were studied in Xenopus oocytes using two-electrode voltage-clamp recording. The solution exchange system used allowed complete and reproducible solution exchange in <0.5 s. Sustained exposure to 1-100 nM ATP led to a profound desensitization of P2X1 receptors. At steady-state, desensitization could be described by the Hill equation with a K1/2 value of 3.2 +/- 0.1 nM. Also, the ATP dependence of peak currents could be described by a Hill equation with an EC50 value of 0.7 microM. Accordingly, ATP dose-effect relationships of activation and desensitization practically do not overlap. Recovery from desensitization could be described by a monoexponential function with the time-constant tau = 11.6 +/-1.0 min. Current transients at 10-100 nM ATP, which elicited 0.1-8.5% of the maximum response, were compatible with a linear three-state model, C-O-D (closed-open-desensitized), with an ATP concentration-dependent activation rate and an ATP concentration-independent (constant) desensitization rate. In the range of 18-300 nM ATP, the total areas under the elicited current transients were equal, suggesting that P2X1 receptor desensitization occurs exclusively via the open conformation. Hence, our results are compatible with a model, according to which P2X1 receptor activation and desensitization follow the same reaction pathway, i.e., without significant C to D transition. We assume that the K1/2 of 3.2 nM for receptor desensitization reflects the nanomolar ATP affinity of the receptor found by others in agonist binding experiments. The high EC50 value of 0.7 microM for receptor activation is a consequence of fast desensitization combined with nonsteady-state conditions during recording of peak currents, which are the basis of the dose-response curve. Our results imply that nanomolar extracellular ATP concentrations can obscure P2X1 receptor responses by driving a significant fraction of the receptor pool into a long-lasting refractory closed state.     

Vascular smooth muscle cells from small human omental arteries express P2X1 and P2X4 receptor subunits

Stimulation of P2X receptors by ATP in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is proposed to mediate vascular tone. However, understanding of P2X receptor-mediated actions in human blood vessels is limited, and therefore, the current work investigates the role of P2X receptors in freshly isolated small human gastro-omental arteries (HGOAs). Expression of P2X1 and P2X4 receptor subunit messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was identified in individual HGOA VSMCs using RT-PCR and immunofluorescent analysis and using Western blot in multi-cellular preparations. ATP of 10 μmol/l and αβ-meATP of 10 μmol/l, a selective P2X receptor agonist, evoked robust increases in [Ca²⁺]_i in fluo-3-loaded HGOA VSMCs. Pre-incubation with 1 μmol/l NF279, a selective P2X receptor antagonist, reduced the amplitude of αβ-meATP-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i by about 70 %. ATP of 10 μmol/l and αβ-meATP of 10 μmol/l produced similar contractile responses in segments of HGOA, and these contractions were greatly reduced by 2 μmol/l NF449, a selective P2X receptor inhibitor. These data suggest that VSMCs from HGOA express P2X1 and P2X4 receptor subunits with homomeric P2X1 receptors likely serving as the predominant target for extracellular ATP.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11302-014-9415-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Activation kinetics of single P2X receptors

After the primary structure of P2X receptors had been identified, their function had to be characterized on the molecular level. Since these ligand-gated ion channels become activated very quickly after binding of ATP, methods with adequate time resolution have to be applied to investigate the early events induced by the agonist. Single-channel recordings were performed to describe conformational changes on P2X₂, P2X₄, and P2X₇ receptors induced by ATP and also by allosteric receptor modifiers. The main results of these studies and the models of P2X receptor kinetics derived from these observations are reviewed here. The investigation of purinoceptors by means of the patch clamp technique following site-directed mutagenesis will probably reveal more details of P2X receptor function at the molecular level.     

Genetics of the P2X7 receptor and human disease

The P2RX7 gene is highly polymorphic, and many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) underlie the wide variation observed in P2X7 receptor responses. We review the discovery of those non-synonymous SNPs that affect receptor function and compare their frequencies in different ethnic populations. Analysis of pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) predicts a limited range of haplotypes. The strong LD between certain functional SNPs provides insight into published studies of the association between SNPs and human disease.     

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.     

Characterization of P2X3, P2Y1 and P2Y4 receptors in cultured HEK293-hP2X3 cells and their inhibition by ethanol and trichloroethanol

Membrane currents and changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in HEK293 cells transfected with the human P2X3 receptor (HEK293-hP2X3). RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry indicated the additional presence of endogenous P2Y1 and to some extent P2Y4 receptors. P2 receptor agonists induced inward currents in HEK293-hP2X3 cells with the rank order of potency alpha,beta-meATP approximately ATP > ADP-beta-S > UTP. A comparable rise in [Ca2+]i was observed after the slow superfusion of ATP, ADP-beta-S and UTP; alpha,beta-meATP was ineffective. These data, in conjunction with results obtained by using the P2 receptor antagonists TNP-ATP, PPADS and MRS2179 indicate that the current response to alpha,beta-meATP is due to P2X3 receptor activation, while the ATP-induced rise in [Ca2+]i is evoked by P2Y1 and P2Y4 receptor activation. TCE depressed the alpha,beta-meATP current in a manner compatible with a non-competitive antagonism. The ATP-induced increase of [Ca2+]i was much less sensitive to the inhibitory effect of TCE than the current response to alpha,beta-meATP. The present study indicates that in HEK293-hP2X3 cells, TCE, but not ethanol, potently inhibits ligand-gated P2X3 receptors and, in addition, moderately interferes with G protein-coupled P2Y1 and P2Y4 receptors. Such an effect may be relevant for the interruption of pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons following ingestion of chloral hydrate or trichloroethylene.     

P2X(1) receptor subunit contribution to gating revealed by a dominant negative PKC mutant

The family of ATP-gated P2X receptor channels have a conserved protein kinase C site in the N-terminal intracellular domain. This site was disrupted in human P2X(1) receptors by the mutation T18A. T18A mutants were expressed at normal levels in Xenopus oocytes; however, the peak current amplitude was reduced by >99% and showed approximately 10 fold faster desensitisation in response to ATP than wild type (WT) receptors showed. P2X receptor subunits form functional trimeric channels. Co-expression of T18A and WT receptors (90:10 ratio) produced heteromeric T18A/WT channels with the rapid T18A time-course and an approximately 90-fold increase in peak current amplitude compared to T18A. Similarly, T18A dominated the desensitisation phenotype of heteromeric channels composed of T18A and slowly desensitising K68A mutants. These results suggest that phosphorylation of P2X(1) receptors has a dramatic effect on the time-course of the response and may provide a mechanism for regulating channel function.     

P2X7 receptors regulate multiple types of membrane trafficking responses and non-classical secretion pathways

Activation of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) triggers a remarkably diverse array of membrane trafficking responses in leukocytes and epithelial cells. These responses result in altered profiles of cell surface lipid and protein composition that can modulate the direct interactions of P2X7R-expressing cells with other cell types in the circulation, in blood vessels, at epithelial barriers, or within sites of immune and inflammatory activation. Additionally, these responses can result in the release of bioactive proteins, lipids, and large membrane complexes into extracellular compartments for remote communication between P2X7R-expressing cells and other cells that amplify or modulate inflammation, immunity, and responses to tissue damages. This review will discuss P2X7R-mediated effects on membrane composition and trafficking in the plasma membrane (PM) and intracellular organelles, as well as actions of P2X7R in controlling various modes of non-classical secretion. It will review P2X7R regulation of: (1) phosphatidylserine distribution in the PM outer leaflet; (2) shedding of PM surface proteins; (3) release of PM-derived microvesicles or microparticles; (4) PM blebbing; (5) cell–cell fusion resulting in formation of multinucleate cells; (6) phagosome maturation and fusion with lysosomes; (7) permeability of endosomes with internalized pathogen-associated molecular patterns; (8) permeability/integrity of mitochondria; (9) exocytosis of secretory lysosomes; and (10) release of exosomes from multivesicular bodies. This work was supported by NIH grants R01-GM36387 and P01-HLHL18708 (G.R.D.).     

Extracellular histidine residues identify common structural determinants in the copper/zinc P2X2 receptor modulation

To assess the mechanism of P2X2 receptor modulation by transition metals, the cDNA for the wild-type receptor was injected to Xenopus laevis oocytes and examined 48-72 h later by the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. Copper was the most potent of the trace metals examined; at 10 microm it evoked a 25-fold potentiation of the 10 microm ATP-gated currents. Zinc, nickel or mercury required 10-fold larger concentrations to cause comparable potentiations, while palladium, cobalt or cadmium averaged only 12- and 3-fold potentiations, respectively. Platinum was inactive. The non-additive effect of copper and zinc at 10-100 microm suggests a common site of action; these metals also shifted to the left the ATP concentration-response curves. To define residues necessary for trace metal modulation, alanines were singly substituted for each of the nine histidines in the extracellular domain of the rat P2X2 receptor. The H120A and H213A mutants were resistant to the modulator action of copper, zinc and other metals with the exception of mercury. Mutant H192A showed a reduction but not an abrogation of the copper or zinc potentiation. H245A showed less affinity for copper while this mutant flattened the zinc-induced potentiation. Mutant H319A reduced the copper but not the zinc-induced potentiation. In contrast, mutants H125A, H146A, H152A and H174A conserved the wild-type receptor sensitivity to trace metal modulation. We propose that His120, His192, His213 and His245 form part of a common allosteric metal-binding site of the P2X2 receptor, which for the specific coordination of copper, but not zinc, additionally involves His319.     

The P2X7 receptor mediates the uptake of organic cations in canine erythrocytes and mononuclear leukocytes: comparison to equivalent human cell types

We previously demonstrated that canine erythrocytes express the P2X₇ receptor, and that the function and expression of this receptor is greatly increased compared with human erythrocytes. Using ⁸⁶Rb⁺ (K⁺) and organic cation flux measurements, we further compared P2X₇ in erythrocytes and mononuclear leukocytes from these species. Concentration response curves of BzATP- and ATP-induced ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux demonstrated that canine P2X₇ was less sensitive to inhibition by extracellular Na⁺ ions compared to human P2X₇. In contrast, canine and human P2X₇ showed a similar sensitivity to the P2X₇ antagonists KN-62 and Mg²⁺. KN-62 and Mg²⁺ also inhibited ATP-induced choline⁺ uptake into canine and human erythrocytes. BzATP and ATP but not ADP or NAD induced ethidium⁺ uptake into canine monocytes, T- and B-cells. ATP-induced ethidium⁺ uptake was twofold greater in canine T-cells compared to canine B-cells and monocytes. KN-62 inhibited the ATP-induced ethidium⁺ uptake in each cell type. P2X₇-mediated uptake of organic cations was 40- and fivefold greater in canine erythrocytes and lymphocytes (T- and B-cells), respectively, compared to equivalent human cell types. In contrast, P2X₇ function was threefold lower in canine monocytes compared to human monocytes. Thus, P2X₇ activation can induce the uptake of organic cations into canine erythrocytes and mononuclear leukocytes, but the relative levels of P2X₇ function differ to that of equivalent human cell types.     

Neural progenitor cell death is induced by extracellular ATP via ligation of P2X7 receptor

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and have been used to treat several animal models of CNS disorders. In the present study, we show that the P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7R) is present on NPCs. In NPCs, P2X7R activation by the agonists extracellular ATP or benzoyl ATP triggers opening of a non-selective cationic channel. Prolonged activation of P2X7R with these nucleotides leads to caspase independent death of NPCs. P2X7R ligation induces NPC lysis/necrosis demonstrated by cell membrane disruption accompanied with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In most cells that express P2X7R, sustained stimulation with ATP leads to the formation of a non-selective pore allowing the entry of solutes up to 900 Da, which are reportedly involved in P2X7R-mediated cell lysis. Surprisingly, activation of P2X7R in NPCs causes cell death in the absence of pore formation. Our data support the notion that high levels of extracellular ATP in inflammatory CNS lesions may delay the successful graft of NPCs used to replace cells and repair CNS damage.