Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Measuring Nucleotide Binding to Intact, Functional Membrane Proteins in Real Time
Published on: March 11, 2021
Inhibition of P2X(7) receptors by divalent cations: old action and new insight
1Institute of Membrane and Systems Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leed LS29JT, UK. l.h.jiang@leeds.ac.uk
Abstract:
P2X family receptors form ATP-gated ion channels by assembling homo/hetero-trimers from seven receptor subunits. The homomeric P2X(7) receptor is extraordinary in that in addition to distinctive localization and biological functions it exhibits several hallmark properties, for example, the receptor is potently inhibited by divalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Despite the fact that this distinct feature was first described almost three decades ago, our understanding is still contentious. Recent site-directed mutagenesis studies have provided direct evidence showing that functional inhibition by zinc and copper primarily results from direct interaction with the receptor. In this short review, I will give a concise description of the major localization, biological functions, and unique properties of the P2X(7) receptor, and particularly discuss the evolving understanding of how divalent cations inhibit the P2X(7) receptor and the potential implication of such inhibition to the physiological and pathophysiological role of the P2X(7) receptor.
More Related Videos
11:47Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells
Published on: April 3, 2019
16:36Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 18, 2009
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that...
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism....
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because...
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...