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Microglia and the Purinergic Signaling System

Stefano Calovi1, Paula Mut-Arbona1, Beáta Sperlágh2

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of PhD Studies, Budapest, Hungary.

Neuroscience
|December 25, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The purinergic system, involving adenosine triphosphate (ATP), significantly influences microglial behavior in the central nervous system. This review details ATP release, degradation, and receptor-mediated actions in microglia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Microglial activity is modulated by environmental cues and their intrinsic state.
  • The purinergic system, utilizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), plays a crucial role in regulating microglial functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent pre-clinical and basic research on the purinergic system and microglia.
  • To highlight in vivo and ex vivo findings regarding microglial purinergic signaling.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of microglial ATP release, degradation, and P2X/P2Y receptor-mediated actions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pre-clinical and basic research.
  • Focus on in vivo and ex vivo experimental data.
  • Analysis of studies on microglial ATP release, degradation, and purinergic receptor signaling (P2X, P2Y).

Main Results:

  • Microglial behavior is intricately linked to the purinergic signaling system.
  • Extracellular ATP dynamics (release and degradation) are key regulators of microglial responses.
  • Activation of P2X and P2Y receptors by ATP mediates diverse microglial actions.

Conclusions:

  • The purinergic system is a fundamental regulator of microglial cell states and functions in the CNS.
  • Understanding ATP signaling pathways is critical for deciphering microglial roles in health and disease.
  • Further research into purinergic signaling in microglia holds therapeutic potential for neurological disorders.
Keywords:
adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP)central nervous systemmicroglianeuro-immunologypurinergic signaling system

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