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Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 18, 2009
Using Symmetrical Organic Cation Solutions to Study P2X7 Ion Permeation
Kate Dunning1, Laurie Peverini2, Thomas Grutter3,4,5
1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, CAMB UMR 7199, Strasbourg, France.
Abstract:
P2X7 receptors are ATP-gated ion channels permeable to metal cations, such as Na+, K+, and Ca2+. They also exhibit permeability to various large molecular weight species, reaching up to 900 Da, in a process known as macropore formation, which is a unique functional hallmark across the P2X family. While well-documented in a range of different cell types, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is poorly understood, and has been clouded through the use of electrophysiological methodology prone to artifacts as a result of significant changes in ionic concentrations in asymmetric conditions. In this chapter, we discuss the permeation properties of P2X7, the related methodological challenges and the use of symmetrical organic cation solutions as a useful technique for probing P2X7 permeation.
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