Understanding the roles of the P2X7 receptor in solid tumour progression and therapeutic perspectives
Sébastien Roger1, Bilel Jelassi2, Isabelle Couillin3
1Inserm UMR1069 Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; Département de Physiologie Animale, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France.
Abstract:
P2X7 is an intriguing ionotropic receptor for which the activation by extracellular ATP induces rapid inward cationic currents and intracellular signalling pathways associated with numerous physiological processes such as the induction of the inflammatory cascade, the survival and proliferation of cells. In contrast, long-term stimulation of P2X7 is generally associated with membrane permeabilisation and cell death. Recently, P2X7 has attracted great attention in the cancer field, and particularly in the neoplastic transformation and the progression of solid tumours. A growing number of studies were published; however they often appeared contradictory in their results and conclusions. As such, the involvement of P2X7 in the oncogenic process remains unclear so far. The present review aims to discuss the current knowledge and hypotheses on the involvement of the P2X7 receptor in the development and progression of solid tumours, and highlight the different aspects that require further clarification in order to decipher whether P2X7 could be considered as a cancer biomarker or as a target for pharmacological intervention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane channels and transporters in cancers.
Insights
The P2X7 receptor
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ionotropic receptor activated by extracellular ATP.
- P2X7R activation influences cell survival, proliferation, and inflammation.
- Long-term P2X7R stimulation can lead to cell death via membrane permeabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge and hypotheses on P2X7R's role in solid tumor development and progression.
- To highlight areas needing further research to clarify P2X7R's oncogenic involvement.
- To assess P2X7R as a potential cancer biomarker or therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on P2X7R in cancer.
- Analysis of contradictory findings regarding P2X7R in neoplastic transformation and tumor progression.
- Synthesis of current hypotheses on P2X7R's dual role in cancer.
Main Results:
- P2X7R's involvement in cancer is complex and debated, with conflicting results.
- Studies show P2X7R can promote both cell survival and death, impacting tumor progression.
- The precise role of P2X7R in solid tumors remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to elucidate P2X7R's function in oncogenesis.
- Clarifying P2X7R's role may identify it as a cancer biomarker or therapeutic target.
- P2X7R's dual role necessitates careful consideration for potential pharmacological interventions in cancer.
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