Research progress on the P2X7 receptor in liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma
Xinyu Li1,2, Xue Bai1,2, Yiqing Tang1,2
1School of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
Abstract:
Purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7 receptor) is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-gated ion channel that is widely distributed on the surfaces of immune cells and tissues such as those in the liver, kidney, lung, intestine, and nervous system. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with increasing incidence and mortality. Although many treatments for liver cancer have been studied, the prognosis for liver cancer is still very poor. Therefore, new liver cancer treatments are urgently needed. P2X7 receptor activation can secrete proinflammatory factors through the P2X7 receptor-NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the progression of liver injury. The P2X7 receptor may be a target for growth inhibition of HCC cells and may affect the invasion and migration of HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways. In recent years, P2X7 receptor antagonists or inhibitors have attracted widespread attention as therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver injury. Therefore, this review covers the basic concepts of the P2X7 receptor and role of the P2X7 receptor in liver cancer and liver injury, providing new potential therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver injury.
Insights
The P2X7 receptor, involved in inflammation and cell signaling, shows promise as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and liver injury. Inhibiting this receptor may offer new treatment strategies for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology and immunology
- Oncology and hepatology
Background:
- The purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7 receptor) is expressed on immune cells and in various organs, including the liver.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer with poor prognosis, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- P2X7 receptor activation is implicated in inflammatory responses and liver injury via the P2X7 receptor-NLRP3 pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental aspects of the P2X7 receptor.
- To elucidate the role of the P2X7 receptor in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver injury.
- To identify the P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer and liver damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on P2X7 receptor function.
- Analysis of P2X7 receptor involvement in inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., P2X7 receptor-NLRP3).
- Examination of P2X7 receptor's influence on HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways.
Main Results:
- P2X7 receptor activation promotes inflammation and contributes to liver injury.
- The P2X7 receptor influences HCC cell behavior, suggesting its role in cancer progression.
- P2X7 receptor antagonists/inhibitors are emerging as promising therapeutic strategies for HCC and liver injury.
Conclusions:
- The P2X7 receptor plays a significant role in both liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma development.
- Targeting the P2X7 receptor offers a potential new avenue for treating liver cancer and related liver conditions.
- Further research into P2X7 receptor modulation could lead to effective therapies for these diseases.
