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Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Jun 2024Ectopic calcification of myofibers is an early pathogenic feature in patients and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In previous studies using the Dmd...
Ectopic calcification of myofibers is an early pathogenic feature in patients and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In previous studies using the Dmd mouse model, we found that the dystrophin-null phenotype exacerbates this abnormality and that mineralised myofibers are surrounded by macrophages. Furthermore, the P2X7 purinoceptor, functioning in immune cells offers protection against dystrophic calcification. In the present study, by exploring transcriptomic data from Dmd mice, we hypothesised these effects to be mediated by C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) downstream of P2X7 activation. We found that CXCL5 is upregulated in the quadriceps muscles of Dmd mice compared to wild-type controls. In contrast, at the cell level, dystrophic (SC5) skeletal muscle cells secreted less CXCL5 chemokine than wild-type (IMO) controls. Although release from IMO cells was increased by P2X7 activation, this could not explain the elevated CXCL5 levels observed in dystrophic muscle tissue. Instead, we found that CXCL5 is released by dystrophin-null macrophages in response to P2X7 activation, suggesting that macrophages are the source of CXCL5 in dystrophic muscles. The effects of CXCL5 upon mineralisation were investigated using the Alizarin Red assay to quantify calcium deposition in vitro. In basal (low phosphate) media, CXCL5 increased calcification in IMO but not SC5 myoblasts. However, in cultures treated in high phosphate media, to mimic dysregulated phosphate metabolism occurring in DMD, CXCL5 decreased calcification in both IMO and SC5 cells. These data indicate that CXCL5 is part of a homoeostatic mechanism regulating intracellular calcium, that CXCL5 can be released by macrophages in response to the extracellular ATP damage-associated signal, and that CXCL5 can be part of a damage response to protect against ectopic calcification. This mechanism is affected by DMD gene mutations.
PubMed: 38924558
DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30617 -
Purinergic Signalling Jun 2024Although multiple purinergic receptors mediate the analgesic effects of acupuncture, it remains unclear whether there is mutual interaction between purinergic receptors...
Although multiple purinergic receptors mediate the analgesic effects of acupuncture, it remains unclear whether there is mutual interaction between purinergic receptors to jointly mediate the electroacupuncture inhibition of peripheral sensitization in visceral pain. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by intracolonic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rat. The antinociception effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain was evaluated by morphology, behaviors, neuroelectrophysiology and molecular biology techniques. After labeling the colon-related primary sensory neurons with neural retrograde tracer and employing neuropharmacology, neuroelectrophysiology, and molecular biotechnology, the mechanisms of P2X7R, P2YR, and P2X3R in colon-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons alleviating visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints.were elucidated from the perspective of peripheral sensitization. Electroacupuncture significantly inhibited TNBS-induced colonic hypersensitivity in rats with IBS, and Satellite Glial Cells (SGCs) in DRG were found to be involved in electroacupuncture-mediated regulation of the electrophysiological properties of neurons. P2X7R was found to play a pain-inducing role in IBS visceral hypersensitivity by affecting P2X3R, and electroacupuncture exerted an analgesic effect by inhibiting P2X7R activation. P2YR was found to play an analgesic role in the process of visceral pain, mediating electroacupuncture to relieve visceral hypersensitivity. P2YR relieved visceral pain by inhibiting P2X3R in neurons associated with nociception, with P2X7R identified as upstream of P2YR up-regulation by electroacupuncture. Our study suggests that the P2X7R → P2YR → P2X3R inhibitory pathway in DRG mediates the inhibition of peripheral sensitization by electroacupuncture in rats with IBS visceral hypersensitivity.
PubMed: 38922475
DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10028-9 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024alpha toxin (CPA), which causes yellow lamb disease in sheep and gas gangrene and food poisoning in humans, is produced by all types of and is the major virulence...
alpha toxin (CPA), which causes yellow lamb disease in sheep and gas gangrene and food poisoning in humans, is produced by all types of and is the major virulence determinant of type A. CPA induces hemolysis in many species, including humans, murines, sheep and rabbits, through its enzymatic activity, which dissolves the cell membrane. Recent studies have shown that some pore-forming toxins cause hemolysis, which is achieved by the activation of purinergic receptors (P2). However, the relationship between P2 receptors and non-pore-forming toxin hemolysis has not been investigated. In the present study, we examined the function of P2 receptors in CPA toxin hemolysis and found that CPA-induced hemolysis was dependent on P2 receptor activation, and this was also true for β-Hemolysin, another non-pore-forming toxin. Furthermore, we use selective P2 receptor antagonists to demonstrate that P2X1 and P2X7 play important roles in the hemolysis of human and murine erythrocytes. In addition, we found that redox metabolism was mainly involved in CPA-induced hemolysis using metabolomic analysis. We further demonstrate that CPA activates P2 receptors and then activates NADPH oxidase through the PI3K/Akt and MEK1/ERK1 pathways, followed by the production of active oxygen to induce hemolysis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathological effects of CPA, clarify the relationship between P2 activation and non-pore-forming toxin-induced hemolysis, and provide new insights into CPA-induced hemolysis.
PubMed: 38921752
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060454 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Purinergic P2X3 receptors form trimeric cation-gated channels, which are activated by extracellular ATP. P2X3 plays a crucial role in chronic cough and affects over 10%...
Purinergic P2X3 receptors form trimeric cation-gated channels, which are activated by extracellular ATP. P2X3 plays a crucial role in chronic cough and affects over 10% of the population. Despite considerable efforts to develop drugs targeting P2X3, the highly conserved structure within the P2X receptor family presents obstacles for achieving selectivity. Camlipixant, a potent and selective P2X3 antagonist, is currently in phase III clinical trials. However, the mechanisms underlying receptor desensitization, ion permeation, principles governing antagonism, and the structure of P2X3 when bound to camlipixant remain elusive. In this study, we established a stable cell line expressing homotrimeric P2X3 and utilized a peptide scaffold to purify the complex and determine its structure using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). P2X3 binds to camlipixant at a previously unidentified drug-binding site and functions as an allosteric inhibitor. Structure-activity studies combined with modeling and simulations have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the selective targeting and inhibition of P2X3 by camlipixant, distinguishing it from other members of the P2X receptor family.
PubMed: 38915546
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598171 -
Purinergic Signalling Jun 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. The prevalent features of AD pathogenesis are the appearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. The prevalent features of AD pathogenesis are the appearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which cause microglial activation, synaptic deficiency, and neuronal loss. Microglia accompanies AD pathological processes and is also linked to cognitive deficits. Purinergic signaling has been shown to play a complex and tight interplay with the chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and production of pro-inflammatory factors in microglia, which is an important mechanism for regulating microglia activation. Here, we review recent evidence for interactions between AD, microglia, and purinergic signaling and find that the purinergic P2 receptors pertinently expressed on microglia are the ionotropic receptors P2X4 and P2X7, and the subtypes of P2YRs expressed by microglia are metabotropic receptors P2Y, P2Y, P2Y, and P2Y. The adenosine P1 receptors expressed in microglia include AR, AR, and AR. Among them, the activation of P2X4, P2X7, and adenosine A, A receptors expressed in microglia can aggravate the pathological process of AD, whereas P2Y, P2Y, P2Y, and P2Y receptors expressed by microglia can induce neuroprotective effects. However, AR activation also has a strong neuroprotective effect and has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in chronic neuroinflammation. These receptors regulate a variety of pathophysiological processes in AD, including APP processing, Aβ production, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review also provides key pharmacological advances in purinergic signaling receptors.
PubMed: 38910192
DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10029-8 -
Plant Signaling & Behavior Dec 2024Extracellular ATP (eATP) orchestrates vital processes in plants, akin to its role in animals. P2K1 is a crucial receptor mediating eATP effects. Immunoprecipitation...
Extracellular ATP (eATP) orchestrates vital processes in plants, akin to its role in animals. P2K1 is a crucial receptor mediating eATP effects. Immunoprecipitation tandem mass spectrometry data highlighted FERONIA's significant interaction with P2K1, driving us to explore its role in eATP signaling. Here, we investigated putative P2K1-interactor, FERONIA, which is a versatile receptor kinase pivotal in growth and stress responses. We employed a FERONIA loss-of-function mutant, , to dissect its effects on eATP signaling. Interestingly, showed distinct calcium responses compared to wild type, while eATP-responsive genes were constitutively upregulated in . Additionally, displayed insensitivity to eATP-regulated root growth and reduced cell wall accumulation. Together, these results uncover a role for FERONIA in regulating eATP signaling. Overall, our study deepens our understanding of eATP signaling, revealing the intricate interplay between P2K1 and FERONIA impacting the interface between growth and defense.
Topics: Plant Roots; Signal Transduction; Arabidopsis Proteins; Arabidopsis; Adenosine Triphosphate; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Phosphotransferases; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 38905329
DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2370706 -
Drugs Targeting Cough Receptors: New Therapeutic Options in Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough.Drugs Jun 2024Refractory chronic cough is a disabling disease with very limited therapeutic options. A better understanding of cough pathophysiology has led to the development of... (Review)
Review
Refractory chronic cough is a disabling disease with very limited therapeutic options. A better understanding of cough pathophysiology has led to the development of emerging drugs targeting cough receptors. Recent strides have illuminated novel therapeutic avenues, notably centred on modulating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, purinergic receptors, and neurokinin receptors. By modulating these receptors, the goal is to intervene in the sensory pathways that trigger cough reflexes, thereby providing relief without compromising vital protective mechanisms. These innovative pharmacotherapies hold promise for improvement of refractory chronic cough by offering improved efficacy and potentially mitigating adverse effects associated with current recommended treatments. A deeper comprehension of their precise mechanisms of action and clinical viability is imperative for optimising therapeutic interventions and elevating patient care standards in respiratory health. This review delineates the evolving landscape of drug development in this domain, emphasising the significance of these advancements in reshaping the paradigm of cough management.
PubMed: 38904926
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02047-y -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024The neurovascular unit (NVU), comprising vascular, glial and neural elements, supports the energetic demands of neural computation, but this aspect of the retina's...
The neurovascular unit (NVU), comprising vascular, glial and neural elements, supports the energetic demands of neural computation, but this aspect of the retina's trilaminar vessel network is poorly understood. Only the innermost vessel layer - the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) - is ensheathed by astrocytes, like brain capillaries, whereas glial ensheathment in other layers derives from radial Müller glia. Using serial electron microscopy reconstructions from mouse and primate retina, we find that Müller processes cover capillaries in a tessellating pattern, mirroring the tiled astrocytic endfeet wrapping brain capillaries. However, gaps in the Müller sheath, found mainly in the intermediate vascular plexus (IVP), permit different neuron types to contact pericytes and the endothelial cells directly. Pericyte somata are a favored target, often at spine-like structures with a reduced or absent vascular basement lamina. Focal application of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the vitreal surface evoked Ca signals in Müller sheaths in all three vascular layers. Pharmacological experiments confirmed that Müller sheaths express purinergic receptors that, when activated, trigger intracellular Ca signals that are amplified by IP -controlled intracellular Ca stores. When rod photoreceptors die in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa ( ), Müller sheaths dissociate from the deep vascular plexus (DVP) but are largely unchanged within the IVP or SVP. Thus, Müller glia interact with retinal vessels in a laminar, compartmentalized manner: glial sheathes are virtually complete in the SVP but fenestrated in the IVP, permitting direct neural-to-vascular contacts. In the DVP, the glial sheath is only modestly fenestrated and is vulnerable to photoreceptor degeneration.
PubMed: 38903067
DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591885 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2024We sought to determine the physiological relevance of pannexin/purinergic-dependent signaling in mediating conducted vasodilation elicited by capillary stimulation...
We sought to determine the physiological relevance of pannexin/purinergic-dependent signaling in mediating conducted vasodilation elicited by capillary stimulation through skeletal muscle contraction. Using hamster cremaster muscle and intravital microscopy we stimulated capillaries through local muscle contraction while observing the associated upstream arteriole. Capillaries were stimulated with muscle contraction at low and high contraction (6 and 60CPM) and stimulus frequencies (4 and 40 Hz) in the absence and presence of pannexin blocker mefloquine (MEF; 10 M), purinergic receptor antagonist suramin (SUR 10 M) and gap-junction uncoupler halothane (HALO, 0.07%) applied between the capillary stimulation site and the upstream arteriolar observation site. Conducted vasodilations elicited at 6CPM were inhibited by HALO while vasodilations at 60CPM were inhibited by MEF and SUR. The conducted response elicited at 4 Hz was inhibited by MEF while the vasodilation at 40 Hz was unaffected by any blocker. Therefore, upstream vasodilations resulting from capillary stimulation via muscle contraction are dependent upon a pannexin/purinergic-dependent pathway that appears to be stimulation parameter-dependent. Our data highlight a physiological importance of the pannexin/purinergic pathway in facilitating communication between capillaries and upstream arteriolar microvasculature and, consequently, indicating that this pathway may play a crucial role in regulating blood flow in response to skeletal muscle contraction.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mesocricetus; Connexins; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Contraction; Capillaries; Vasodilation; Signal Transduction; Cricetinae; Receptors, Purinergic; Arterioles
PubMed: 38898485
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16113 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024A set of 2-aryl-9-H or methyl-6-morpholinopurine derivatives were synthesized and assayed through radioligand binding tests at human A, A, A, and A adenosine receptor...
A set of 2-aryl-9-H or methyl-6-morpholinopurine derivatives were synthesized and assayed through radioligand binding tests at human A, A, A, and A adenosine receptor subtypes. Eleven purines showed potent antagonism at A, A, dual A/A, A/A, or A/A adenosine receptors. Additionally, three compounds showed high affinity without selectivity for any specific adenosine receptor. The structure-activity relationships were made for this group of new compounds. The 9-methylpurine derivatives were generally less potent but more selective, and the 9H-purine derivatives were more potent but less selective. These compounds can be an important source of new biochemical tools and/or pharmacological drugs.
Topics: Humans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Molecular Structure; Adenine; Morpholines; Purines; CHO Cells
PubMed: 38893418
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112543