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P2X(7) receptor: Death or life?

Elena Adinolfi1, Cinzia Pizzirani, Marco Idzko

  • 1Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section of General Pathology and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation (ICSI), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.

Purinergic Signalling
|April 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The P2X(7) receptor, a plasma membrane protein, can kill cells, trigger responses, and stimulate proliferation. This review details its complex roles, including cell death pathways and cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The P2X(7) receptor is a plasma membrane ion channel with diverse cellular functions.
  • Its roles extend from cell death induction to proliferation stimulation.
  • Recent research highlights its complexity and involvement in various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the multiplicity and complexity of P2X(7)-mediated responses.
  • To discuss recent findings regarding the P2X(7) receptor.
  • To highlight the receptor's involvement in apoptosis, necrosis, and carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on the P2X(7) receptor.
  • Analysis of P2X(7) receptor's role in cell death pathways (apoptosis and necrosis).
  • Examination of P2X(7) receptor's function in cancer development.

Main Results:

  • P2X(7) receptor activation leads to diverse cellular outcomes, including cell death and proliferation.
  • Specific early and late signs of apoptosis and necrosis are linked to P2X(7) receptor activation.
  • Emerging evidence implicates P2X(7) receptor in the mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The P2X(7) receptor is a multifaceted molecule with significant implications in cell biology.
  • Understanding P2X(7) receptor's role in cell death and proliferation is crucial.
  • Further research into P2X(7) receptor's function in cancer is warranted.

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