P2X purinoceptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX4 gene. P2X purinoceptor 4 is a member of the P2X receptor family. [5] [6] [7] P2X receptors are trimeric protein complexes that can be homomeric or heteromeric. These receptors are ligand-gated cation channels that open in response to ATP binding. [8] Each receptor subtype, determined by the subunit composition, varies in its affinity to ATP and desensitization kinetics.
The P2X4 receptor is the homotrimer composed of three P2X4 monomers. [5] They are nonselective cation channels with high calcium permeability, leading to the depolarization of the cell membrane and the activation of various Ca2+-sensitive intracellular processes. [9] [10] [11] The P2X4 receptor is uniquely expressed on lysosomal compartments as well as the cell surface. [12]
The receptor is found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, in the epithelia of ducted glands and airways, in the smooth muscle of the bladder, gastrointestinal tract, uterus, and arteries, in uterine endometrium, and in fat cells. [13] P2X4 receptors have been implicated in the regulation of cardiac function, ATP-mediated cell death, synaptic strengthening, and activating of the inflammasome in response to injury. [12] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18]
P2X receptors are composed of three subunits that can be homomeric or heteromeric by nature. In mammals, there are seven different subunits, each encoded in a different gene (P2RX1-P2RX7). [5] Each subunit has two transmembrane alpha helices (TM1 and TM2) linked by a large extracellular loop. [5] [12] [19] Analysis of x-ray crystallographic structures revealed a 'dolphin-like' tertiary structure, where the 'tail' is embedded in the phospholipid bilayer and the upper and lower ectodomains form the 'head' and 'body' respectively. [12] [19] [20] Adjacent interfaces of the subunits form a deep binding pocket for ATP. [12] [19] ATP binding to these orthosteric sites causes a shift in conformation opening the channel pore.
The P2X4 subunits can form homomeric or heteromeric receptors. [21] In 2009, the first purinergic receptor crystallized was the closed state homomeric zebrafish P2X4 receptor. [22] [19] Although truncated at its N- and C- termini, this crystal structure resolved and confirmed that these proteins were indeed trimers with an ectodomain rich with disulfide bonds. [5] [12]
P2X receptors have three confirmed conformational states: ATP-unbound closed, ATP-bound open, and ATP-bound desensitized. [12] [19] Imaging of the human P2X3 and rat P2X7 receptors has revealed structural similarities and differences in their cytoplasmic domains. In the ATP-bound state, both receptor types form beta sheet structures from N- and C- termini of adjacent subunits. [12] [19] These newly folded secondary structures come together to form a 'cytoplasmic cap' that helps stabilize the open pore. Crystal structures of the desensitized receptor no longer exhibit the cytoplasmic cap. [12] [19]
Electrophysiology studies have revealed differences in the rates of receptor desensitization between different P2X subtypes. [5] [12] Homotrimers P2X1 and P2X3 are the fastest, with desensitization observed milliseconds after activation, while P2X2 and P2X4 receptors are on the timescale of seconds. Notably, the P2X7 receptor uniquely does not undergo desensitization. [12] Mutational studies working with the rat P2X2 and P2X3 receptors have identified three residues in the N-terminus that majorly contribute to these differences. By changing the amino acids in the P2X3 to match the analogous P2X2, the desensitization rate slowed down. Conversely, changing residues of P2X2 to match P2X3 increased the desensitization rate. [19] In combination with the open state crystal structures, it was hypothesized that the cytoplasmic cap was stabilizing the open pore conformation. [12] [19]
Additionally, structural analysis of the open P2X3 receptor revealed transient changes in TM2, the transmembrane alpha helix lining the pore. While in the open state conformation, a small mid-region of TM2 develops into a 310-helix. [12] [19] This helical structure disappears with desensitization and instead TM2 reforms as a complete alpha helix repositioned closer to the extracellular side. [12]
The helical recoil model uses the observed structural changes in TM2 and the transient formation of the cytoplasmic cap to describe a possible mechanism for the desensitization of P2X receptors. In this model, it is theorized that the cytoplasmic cap fixes the intracellular end of the TM2 helix while stretching its extracellular end to allow ion influx. [19] This would induce the observed 310-helix. The cap then disassembles and releases its hold on TM2 causing the helix to recoil towards the outer leaflet of the membrane. [12] [19]
In support of this theory, the P2X7 uniquely has a large cytoplasmic domain with palmitoylated C-cysteine anchor sites. [5] [12] [19] These sites further stabilize its cytoplasmic cap by anchoring the domain into the surrounding inner leaflet. Mutations of the associated palmitoylation site residues cause observed atypical desensitization of the receptor. [12]
P2X4 receptors are functionally expressed on both the cell surface and in lysosomes. [20] Although preferentially localized and stored in lysosomes, P2X4 receptors are brought to the cell surface in response to extracellular signals. [23] These signals include IFN-γ, CCL21, CCL2. [24] [25] [26] Fibronectin is also involved in upregulation of P2X4 receptors through interactions with integrins that lead to the activation of SRC-family kinase member, Lyn. [27] Lyn then activates PI3K-AKT and MEK-ERK signaling pathways to stimulate receptor trafficking. [28] Internalization of P2X4 receptors is clathrin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis. [29]
P2X4 receptors respond to ATP, but not αβmeATP. These receptors are also potentiated by ivermectin, cibacron blue, and zinc. [8]
The main pharmacological distinction between the members of the purinoceptor family is the relative sensitivity to the antagonists suramin and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS). The product of this gene has the lowest sensitivity for these antagonists [8]
The P2X4 receptor has been linked to neuropathic pain mediated by microglia in vitro and in vivo . [30] [31] P2X4 receptors are upregulated following injury. [32] This upregulation allows for increased activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, thereby increasing the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from microglia. [33] BDNF released from microglia induces neuronal hyperexcitability through interaction with the TrkB receptor. [34] More importantly, recent work shows that P2X4 receptor activation is not only necessary for neuropathic pain, but it is also sufficient to cause neuropathic pain. [35]
A mast cell is a resident cell of connective tissue that contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Specifically, it is a type of granulocyte derived from the myeloid stem cell that is a part of the immune and neuroimmune systems. Mast cells were discovered by Paul Ehrlich in 1877. Although best known for their role in allergy and anaphylaxis, mast cells play an important protective role as well, being intimately involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, immune tolerance, defense against pathogens, and vascular permeability in brain tumors.
In the physiology of the kidney, tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) is a feedback system inside the kidneys. Within each nephron, information from the renal tubules is signaled to the glomerulus. Tubuloglomerular feedback is one of several mechanisms the kidney uses to regulate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It involves the concept of purinergic signaling, in which an increased distal tubular sodium chloride concentration causes a basolateral release of adenosine from the macula densa cells. This initiates a cascade of events that ultimately brings GFR to an appropriate level.
Purinergic receptors, also known as purinoceptors, are a family of plasma membrane molecules that are found in almost all mammalian tissues. Within the field of purinergic signalling, these receptors have been implicated in learning and memory, locomotor and feeding behavior, and sleep. More specifically, they are involved in several cellular functions, including proliferation and migration of neural stem cells, vascular reactivity, apoptosis and cytokine secretion. These functions have not been well characterized and the effect of the extracellular microenvironment on their function is also poorly understood.
The P2X receptors, also ATP-gated P2X receptor cation channel family, is a protein family that consists of cation-permeable ligand-gated ion channels that open in response to the binding of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). They belong to a larger family of receptors known as the ENaC/P2X superfamily. ENaC and P2X receptors have similar 3-D structures and are homologous. P2X receptors are present in a diverse array of organisms including humans, mouse, rat, rabbit, chicken, zebrafish, bullfrog, fluke, and amoeba.
Satellite glial cells, formerly called amphicytes, are glial cells that cover the surface of neuron cell bodies in ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. Thus, they are found in sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia. Both satellite glial cells (SGCs) and Schwann cells are derived from the neural crest of the embryo during development. SGCs have been found to play a variety of roles, including control over the microenvironment of sympathetic ganglia. They are thought to have a similar role to astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). They supply nutrients to the surrounding neurons and also have some structural function. Satellite cells also act as protective, cushioning cells. Additionally, they express a variety of receptors that allow for a range of interactions with neuroactive chemicals. Many of these receptors and other ion channels have recently been implicated in health issues including chronic pain and herpes simplex. There is much more to be learned about these cells, and research surrounding additional properties and roles of the SGCs is ongoing.
Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 8 (TRPM8), also known as the cold and menthol receptor 1 (CMR1), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPM8 gene. The TRPM8 channel is the primary molecular transducer of cold somatosensation in humans. In addition, mints can desensitize a region through the activation of TRPM8 receptors.
Gliotransmitters are chemicals released from glial cells that facilitate neuronal communication between neurons and other glial cells. They are usually induced from Ca2+ signaling, although recent research has questioned the role of Ca2+ in gliotransmitters and may require a revision of the relevance of gliotransmitters in neuronal signalling in general.
P2X purinoceptor 7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX7 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY1 gene.
P2X purinoceptor 1, also ATP receptor, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX1 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY2 gene.
P2X purinoceptor 5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX5 gene.
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated (HCN) channels are integral membrane proteins that serve as nonselective voltage-gated cation channels in the plasma membranes of heart and brain cells. HCN channels are sometimes referred to as pacemaker channels because they help to generate rhythmic activity within groups of heart and brain cells. HCN channels are activated by membrane hyperpolarization, are permeable to Na + and K +, and are constitutively open at voltages near the resting membrane potential. HCN channels are encoded by four genes and are widely expressed throughout the heart and the central nervous system.
P2X purinoceptor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX2 gene.
P2X purinoceptor 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX3 gene.
P2X purinoceptor 6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX6 gene.
The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), or ventromedial nucleus of the spinal cord, is a group of neurons located close to the midline on the floor of the medulla oblongata. The rostral ventromedial medulla sends descending inhibitory and excitatory fibers to the dorsal horn spinal cord neurons. There are 3 categories of neurons in the RVM: on-cells, off-cells, and neutral cells. They are characterized by their response to nociceptive input. Off-cells show a transitory decrease in firing rate right before a nociceptive reflex, and are theorized to be inhibitory. Activation of off-cells, either by morphine or by any other means, results in antinociception. On-cells show a burst of activity immediately preceding nociceptive input, and are theorized to be contributing to the excitatory drive. Neutral cells show no response to nociceptive input.
Zucapsaicin (Civanex) is a medication used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee and other neuropathic pain. It is applied three times daily for a maximum of three months. Zucapsaicin is a member of phenols and a member of methoxybenzenes. It is a modulator of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV-1), also known as the vanilloid or capsaicin receptor 1 that reduces pain, and improves articular functions. It is the cis-isomer of capsaicin. Civamide, manufactured by Winston Pharmaceuticals, is produced in formulations for oral, nasal, and topical use.
Purinergic signalling is a form of extracellular signalling mediated by purine nucleotides and nucleosides such as adenosine and ATP. It involves the activation of purinergic receptors in the cell and/or in nearby cells, thereby regulating cellular functions.
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, similar to peripheral macrophages. They respond to pathogens and injury by changing morphology and migrating to the site of infection/injury, where they destroy pathogens and remove damaged cells.
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.