Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

9.8K

The P2X7 Receptor is a Master Regulator of Microparticle and Mitochondria Exchange in Mouse Microglia

Simonetta Falzoni1, Valentina Vultaggio-Poma1, Paola Chiozzi1

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.

Function (Oxford, England)
|July 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular ATP (ATP) triggers microglial cells to release microparticles (MPs) containing mitochondria, NLRP3, and the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). This transfer enhances recipient cell energy and promotes inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Microparticles (MPs) mediate intercellular communication, differentiation, inflammation, and energy transfer.
  • P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation by extracellular ATP (eATP) significantly influences MP release and content.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate P2X7R-mediated microparticle release and functional impact in microglial cells.
  • To characterize the role of P2X7R in intercellular organelle trafficking.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized P2X7R-WT and P2X7R-KO mice microglial cells.
  • Employed mouse microglial cell lines with high (N13-P2X7RHigh) and low (N13-P2X7RLow) P2X7R expression.
  • Analyzed microparticle release, content, and recipient cell functional changes.

Main Results:

  • P2X7R stimulation induced microparticle release enriched with naked mitochondria.
  • Mitochondria, NLRP3, and P2X7R were transferred to recipient cells in a P2X7R-dependent manner.
  • Microparticle transfer boosted recipient cell energy levels and induced a pro-inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7R activation is a key regulator of intercellular organelle and microparticle trafficking in immune cells.
  • Mitochondrial transfer via MPs contributes to recipient cell bioenergetics and inflammatory responses.
Keywords:
P2X7 receptorinflammationmicrogliamicroparticlesmitochondria

More Related Videos

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation10:21

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

19.3K
Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells11:47

Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells

Published on: April 3, 2019

9.1K

Related Concept Videos

GPCR Desensitization01:12

GPCR Desensitization

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity01:09

GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity

Some GPCRs transmit signals through adenylyl cyclase (AC), a transmembrane enzyme. AC helps synthesize second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). AC catalyzes cyclization reaction and converts ATP to cAMP by releasing a pyrophosphate. The pyrophosphate is further hydrolyzed to phosphate by the enzyme pyrophosphatase, which drives cAMP synthesis to completion. However, cAMP is rapidly degraded to 5′ AMP by the enzymes phosphodiesterase (PDE), preventing overstimulation of cells.
Two...
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors01:30

Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors

G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...