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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Two-photon Imaging of Microglial Processes' Attraction Toward ATP or Serotonin in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: January 31, 2019
ATP-mediated glia signaling
M L Cotrina1, J H Lin, J C López-García
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
Summary
Glia calcium waves, driven by ATP and purinergic receptors, expand spatially. Connexin expression enhances ATP release and neuron growth, highlighting ATP
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glia calcium signaling modulates synaptic transmission.
- The mechanisms of glia calcium wave propagation are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of ATP and purinergic receptors in glia calcium wave expansion.
- To investigate the impact of connexin expression on glia function and neuronal development.
Main Methods:
- Studied spatial expansion of calcium waves in glia.
- Investigated the role of ATP and purinergic receptors.
- Examined the effects of connexin (Cx) expression on ATP release and calcium wave propagation.
- Co-cultured cortical neurons with Cx-expressing and Cx-deficient glia.
- Utilized purinergic receptor antagonists.
Main Results:
- Spatial expansion of glia calcium waves is mediated by ATP and purinergic receptor activation.
- Ectopic connexin expression increased ATP release and calcium wave propagation radius.
- Connexin expression induced a phenotypic transformation in glia, promoting neurite outgrowth in co-cultured neurons.
- Purinergic receptor antagonists reversed glia phenotypic changes and slowed neurite outgrowth.
Conclusions:
- ATP plays a crucial role in both short-term glia calcium signaling and long-term neuronal differentiation.
- Connexins and purinergic signaling are key regulators of glia-neuron interactions and neuronal development.
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