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Microglia and Neuroinflammation: What Place for P2RY12?
Albert Gómez Morillas1, Valérie C Besson1, Dominique Lerouet1
1UMR-S1144-Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neuropsychopharmacologie (OTeN), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Microglia are immune brain cells involved in neuroinflammation. They express a lot of proteins on their surface such as receptors that can be activated by mediators released in the microglial environment. Among these receptors, purinergic receptor expression could be modified depending on the activation status of microglia. In this review, we focus on P2Y receptors and more specifically on P2RY12 that is involved in microglial motility and migration, the first step of neuroinflammation process. We describe the purinergic receptor families, P2RY12 structure, expression and physiological functions. The pharmacological and genetic tools for studying this receptor are detailed thereafter. Last but not least, we report the contribution of microglial P2RY12 to neuroinflammation in acute and chronic brain pathologies in order to better understand P2RY12 microglial role.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, use P2RY12 receptors to move, initiating neuroinflammation. Understanding this receptor is key to studying brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, crucial for neuroinflammation.
- Microglial surface receptors, including purinergic receptors, are activated by their environment.
- Purinergic receptor expression varies with microglial activation status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of P2Y receptors, specifically P2RY12, in microglial function.
- To detail the structure, expression, and physiological roles of P2RY12.
- To explore the contribution of microglial P2RY12 to neuroinflammation in brain pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on P2RY12.
- Description of purinergic receptor families.
- Discussion of pharmacological and genetic tools for P2RY12 research.
Main Results:
- P2RY12 is integral to microglial motility and migration, initiating neuroinflammation.
- The review details P2RY12's structure, expression, and functions.
- Pharmacological and genetic tools for studying P2RY12 are presented.
Conclusions:
- Microglial P2RY12 plays a significant role in the neuroinflammatory process.
- Understanding P2RY12 is vital for comprehending its contribution to acute and chronic brain diseases.
- Targeting P2RY12 may offer therapeutic avenues for neuroinflammatory conditions.
