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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Bone phenotypes of P2 receptor knockout mice
Isabel Orriss1, Susanne Syberg, Ning Wang
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
The action of extracellular nucleotides is mediated by ionotropic P2X receptors and G-protein coupled P2Y receptors. The human genome contains 7 P2X and 8 P2Y receptor genes. Knockout mice strains are available for most of them. As their phenotypic analysis is progressing, bone abnormalities have been observed in an impressive number of these mice: distinct abnormalities in P2X7-/- mice, depending on the gene targeting construct and the genetic background, decreased bone mass in P2Y1-/- mice, increased bone mass in P2Y2-/- mice, decreased bone resorption in P2Y6-/- mice, decreased bone formation and bone resorption in P2Y13-/- mice. These findings demonstrate the unexpected importance of extracellular nucleotide signalling in the regulation of bone metabolism via multiple P2 receptors and distinct mechanisms involving both osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
Insights
Extracellular nucleotides, acting via P2 receptors, significantly impact bone metabolism. Studies reveal diverse bone abnormalities in knockout mice, highlighting P2 receptors
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Extracellular nucleotides signal through ionotropic P2X and G-protein coupled P2Y receptors.
- The human genome encodes 7 P2X and 8 P2Y receptor genes.
- Genetic models, particularly knockout mice, are crucial for studying receptor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of various P2 receptors in bone metabolism.
- To analyze bone phenotypes in knockout mice lacking specific P2 receptor genes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which extracellular nucleotides regulate bone cells.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analysis of knockout mice strains for P2X and P2Y receptors.
- Examination of bone mass, formation, and resorption in genetically modified mice.
- Comparative analysis across different gene targeting constructs and genetic backgrounds.
Main Results:
- P2X7 knockout mice exhibited distinct bone abnormalities.
- P2Y1 deficiency led to decreased bone mass.
- P2Y2 deficiency resulted in increased bone mass.
- P2Y6 deficiency was associated with reduced bone resorption.
- P2Y13 deficiency impaired both bone formation and resorption.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular nucleotide signaling via multiple P2 receptors plays a critical, previously underestimated role in bone metabolism.
- Distinct P2 receptors (P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6, P2Y13) influence bone homeostasis through varied mechanisms.
- These findings implicate P2 receptors in regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast activity, offering potential therapeutic targets.
