Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Human melanomas express functional P2 X(7) receptors

Nicholas White1, Peter E M Butler, Geoffrey Burnstock

  • 1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.

Cell and Tissue Research
|July 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor, activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate, triggers apoptosis in human malignant melanoma cells. This finding reveals the P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) acts as an extracellular messenger through specific cell surface receptors.
  • Different receptor subtypes regulate critical cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional expression and apoptotic effects of the P2X7 receptor in human malignant melanoma.
  • To explore the P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a potent P2X7 receptor agonist (2'-3'-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl) adenosine 5'-triphosphate) and antagonist (1-N,O-bis-[5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl]-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl)-4-phenyl-piperazine).
  • Confirmed P2X7 receptor synthesis using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunocytochemistry.
  • Assessed apoptosis via cellular YO-PRO-1 dye uptake.

Main Results:

  • P2X7 receptor activation by the agonist resulted in a dose-dependent and reversible decrease in melanoma cell number.
  • Evidence confirmed the functional expression of P2X7 receptors in human melanoma cells.
  • YO-PRO-1 uptake indicated P2X7 receptor-mediated cell death.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7 receptors are functionally expressed in human malignant melanoma.
  • Extracellular nucleotides acting via P2X7 receptors induce apoptosis in melanoma cells.
  • The P2X7 receptor represents a novel therapeutic target for melanoma.

More Related Videos

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens09:53

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens

Published on: February 6, 2017

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model07:07

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model

Published on: May 20, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...