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P2X7, a critical regulator and potential target for bone and joint diseases

Dehui Zeng1, Pingbo Yao1, Hong Zhao2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|October 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The P2X7 receptor plays a dual role in bone and joint diseases, potentially treating osteoporosis and fractures but worsening arthritis and bone cancer. Targeting this receptor offers therapeutic potential for skeletal conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is implicated in various diseases, including hypertension, inflammation, and cancer.
  • Emerging research highlights the P2X7 receptor's significant involvement in skeletal and joint pathologies.
  • A systematic review on the P2X7 receptor's specific role in bone and joint diseases is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and elaborate on the role of the P2X7 receptor in skeletal and joint diseases.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the P2X7 receptor for bone and joint conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on P2X7 receptor function in bone and joint diseases.
  • Analysis of studies investigating P2X7 receptor activation and inhibition in models of osteoporosis, fractures, bone cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Main Results:

  • P2X7 receptor activation can ameliorate osteoporosis by balancing osteoclast and osteoblast activity.
  • Activation of P2X7 receptor aids in stress fracture healing by promoting osteogenesis.
  • Conversely, P2X7 receptor activation promotes cell growth and proliferation in bone cancer.
  • P2X7 receptor activation exacerbates osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis, while its inhibition shows some therapeutic benefit.

Conclusions:

  • The P2X7 receptor is a critical regulator in bone and joint diseases, exhibiting context-dependent effects.
  • Modulating P2X7 receptor activity presents a promising therapeutic strategy for a range of skeletal and joint disorders.
Keywords:
P2X7 receptorbone cancerosteoporosisrheumatoid arthritisthe stress fracture injury

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