Autocrine/paracrine stimulation of purinergic receptors in osteoblasts: contribution of vesicular ATP release

Chitosan biomineralized with ions-doped nano-hydroxyapatite tunes osteoblasts metabolism and DNA damage

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioceramic material widely used as a bone biomimetic substitute and can be synthesized by biomineralization, according to which HA nanoparticles are formed on a polymer template. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of ion doping and biomineralization on cell metabolism, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. In the present contribution, we report on synthesizing and characterizing biomineralized chitosan as a polymer template with HA nanoparticles doped with magnesium (MgHA) and iron ions (FeHA). The physical-chemical and morphological characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of low crystalline ions-doped HA nanoparticles on the chitosan template, whereas the biochemical activity of the resulting nanoparticles towards human osteoblasts-like cells (MG63 and HOBIT) was investigated considering their effect on cell metabolism, proliferation, colony formation, redox status, and DNA damage extent. Data obtained suggest that particles enhance cell metabolism but partially limit cell proliferation. The redox status of cells was measured suggesting a slight increase in Reactive Oxygen Species production with chitosan biomineralized with iron-doped HA, whereas no effect with magnesium-doped HA and no effect of all formulations on the oxidation level of Peroxiredoxin. On the other hand, DNA damage was investigated by COMET assay, and expression and foci γH2AX. These latter tests indicated that HA-based nanoparticles promote DNA damage which is enhanced by chitosan thus suggesting that chitosan favors the nanoparticles' internalization by cells and modulates their biological activity. The potential DNA damage should be considered - and potentially exploited for instance in anticancer treatment - when HA-based particles are used to devise biomaterials.

Could hypoxia rehabilitate the osteochondral diseased interface? Lessons from the interplay of hypoxia and purinergic signals elsewhere

The osteochondral unit comprises the articular cartilage (90%), subchondral bone (5%) and calcified cartilage (5%). All cells present at the osteochondral unit that is ultimately responsible for matrix production and osteochondral homeostasis, such as chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes, can release adenine and/or uracil nucleotides to the local microenvironment. Nucleotides are released by these cells either constitutively or upon plasma membrane damage, mechanical stress or hypoxia conditions. Once in the extracellular space, endogenously released nucleotides can activate membrane-bound purinoceptors. Activation of these receptors is fine-tuning regulated by nucleotides' breakdown by enzymes of the ecto-nucleotidase cascade. Depending on the pathophysiological conditions, both the avascular cartilage and the subchondral bone subsist to significant changes in oxygen tension, which has a tremendous impact on tissue homeostasis. Cell stress due to hypoxic conditions directly influences the expression and activity of several purinergic signalling players, namely nucleotide release channels (e.g. Cx43), NTPDase enzymes and purinoceptors. This review gathers experimental evidence concerning the interplay between hypoxia and the purinergic signalling cascade contributing to osteochondral unit homeostasis. Reporting deviations to this relationship resulting from pathological alterations of articular joints may ultimately unravel novel therapeutic targets for osteochondral rehabilitation. At this point, one can only hypothesize how hypoxia mimetic conditions can be beneficial to the ex vivo expansion and differentiation of osteo- and chondro-progenitors for auto-transplantation and tissue regenerative purposes.

ATP-mediated signalling in the central synapses

ATP released from the synaptic terminals and astrocytes can activate neuronal P2 receptors at a variety of locations across the CNS. Although the postsynaptic ATP-mediated signalling does not bring a major contribution into the excitatory transmission, it is instrumental for slow and diffuse modulation of synaptic dynamics and neuronal firing in many CNS areas. Neuronal P2X and P2Y receptors can be activated by ATP released from the synaptic terminals, astrocytes and microglia and thereby can participate in the regulation of synaptic homeostasis and plasticity. There is growing evidence of importance of purinergic regulation of synaptic transmission in different physiological and pathological contexts. Here, we review the main mechanisms underlying the complexity and diversity of purinergic signalling and purinergic modulation in central neurons.

Extracellular ATP and its derivatives provide spatiotemporal guidance for bone adaptation to wide spectrum of physical forces

ATP is a ubiquitous intracellular molecule critical for cellular bioenergetics. ATP is released in response to mechanical stimulation through vesicular release, small tears in cellular plasma membranes, or when cells are destroyed by traumatic forces. Extracellular ATP is degraded by ecto-ATPases to form ADP and eventually adenosine. ATP, ADP, and adenosine signal through purinergic receptors, including seven P2X ATP-gated cation channels, seven G-protein coupled P2Y receptors responsive to ATP and ADP, and four P1 receptors stimulated by adenosine. The goal of this review is to build a conceptual model of the role of different components of this complex system in coordinating cellular responses that are appropriate to the degree of mechanical stimulation, cell proximity to the location of mechanical injury, and time from the event. We propose that route and amount of ATP release depend on the scale of mechanical forces, ranging from vesicular release of small ATP boluses upon membrane deformation, to leakage of ATP through resealable plasma membrane tears, to spillage of cellular content due to destructive forces. Correspondingly, different P2 receptors responsive to ATP will be activated according to their affinity at the site of mechanical stimulation. ATP is a small molecule that readily diffuses through the environment, bringing the signal to the surrounding cells. ATP is also degraded to ADP which can stimulate a distinct set of P2 receptors. We propose that depending on the magnitude of mechanical forces and distance from the site of their application, ATP/ADP profiles will be different, allowing the relay of information about tissue level injury and proximity. Lastly, ADP is degraded to adenosine acting via its P1 receptors. The presence of large amounts of adenosine without ATP, indicates that an active source of ATP release is no longer present, initiating the transition to the recovery phase. This model consolidates the knowledge regarding the individual components of the purinergic system into a conceptual framework of choreographed responses to physical forces.

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Cellular bioenergetic molecule ATP is released when cell is mechanically stimulated.

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ATP release is proportional to the amount of cellular damage.

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ATP diffusion and transformation to ADP indicates the proximity to the damage.

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Purinergic receptors form a network choreographing cell response to physical forces.

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Complete transformation of ATP to adenosine initiates the recovery phase.

Relationship between P2XR4 Gene Variants and the Risk of Schizophrenia in South-East of Iran: A Preliminary Case-Control Study and in Silico Analysis

Background:

Schizophrenia (SZN) is a heterogeneous disorder. Recently, the role of purinergic receptor’s signaling in mental disorders has implicated. There is no evidence regarding the association of P2XR4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of behavioral disorders. Therefore, this preliminary study, we determined the association of rs1169727A/G and rs25644A/G variants located in P2XR4 gene with the risk of SZN.

Methods:

This case-control study was performed on 150 SZN patient referring to Baharan Hospital, Zahedan (Eastern of Iran) in 2018. Genotyping was done by tetra-amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (Tetra ARMS-PCR). Different databases were used to determine the effects of the SNPs on the secondary structure of P2XR4 pre-mRNA and protein as well as binding of transcriptional regulators.

Results:

The G allele of rs1169727 significantly increased the risk of SZN (OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.02–1.93, P=0.039), but there was no significant association was found between the other SNP and SZN. Moreover, GG model of rs1169727 (OR=2.46, 95%CI= 1.32–4.62, P=0.004) and rs25644 (OR=3.45, 95%CI= 1.12–5.10, P=0.013) increased the risk of SZN. The substitution of A and G alleles of rs1169727 significantly altered the secondary structure of pre-mRNA (P=0.1). In silico analysis revealed that rs25644A/G could act as an intronic cryptic donor site. Screening for flanking sequence of rs1169727A/G and rs25644A/G predicted a novel enhancer and silencer for both SNPs.

Conclusion:

rs1169727A/G and rs25644A/G are linked to SZN susceptibility in a sample of the Iranian population. In-silico analysis indicated that rs25644 have substantial roles in determining the pre-mRNA and protein structure of P2XR4 gene.

TRPV4 calcium influx controls sclerostin protein loss independent of purinergic calcium oscillations

Skeletal remodeling is driven in part by the osteocyte's ability to respond to its mechanical environment by regulating the abundance of sclerostin, a negative regulator of bone mass. We have recently shown that the osteocyte responds to fluid shear stress via the microtubule network-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-generated reactive oxygen species and subsequent opening of TRPV4 cation channels, leading to calcium influx, activation of CaMKII, and rapid sclerostin protein downregulation. In addition to the initial calcium influx, purinergic receptor signaling and calcium oscillations occur in response to mechanical load and prior to rapid sclerostin protein loss. However, the independent contributions of TRPV4-mediated calcium influx and purinergic calcium oscillations to the rapid sclerostin protein downregulation remain unclear. Here, we showed that NOX2 and TRPV4-dependent calcium influx is required for calcium oscillations, and that TRPV4 activation is both necessary and sufficient for sclerostin degradation. In contrast, calcium oscillations are neither necessary nor sufficient to acutely decrease sclerostin protein abundance. However, blocking oscillations with apyrase prevented fluid shear stress induced changes in osterix (Sp7), osteoprotegerin (Tnfrsf11b), and sclerostin (Sost) gene expression. In total, these data provide key mechanistic insights into the way bone cells translate mechanical cues to target a key effector of bone formation, sclerostin.

Adult mesenchymal stem cells: is there a role for purine receptors in their osteogenic differentiation?

The role played by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in contributing to adult tissue homeostasis and damage repair thanks to their differentiation capabilities has raised a great interest, mainly in bone regenerative medicine. The growth/function of these undifferentiated cells of mesodermal origin, located in specialized structures (niches) of differentiated organs is influenced by substances present in this microenvironment. Among them, ancestral and ubiquitous molecules such as adenine-based purines, i.e., ATP and adenosine, may be included. Notably, extracellular purine concentrations greatly increase during tissue injury; thus, MSCs are exposed to effects mediated by these agents interacting with their own receptors when they act/migrate in vivo or are transplanted into a damaged tissue. Here, we reported that ATP modulates MSC osteogenic differentiation via different P2Y and P2X receptors, but data are often inconclusive/contradictory so that the ATP receptor importance for MSC physiology/differentiation into osteoblasts is yet undetermined. An exception is represented by P2X7 receptors, whose expression was shown at various differentiation stages of bone cells resulting essential for differentiation/survival of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. As well, adenosine, usually derived from extracellular ATP metabolism, can promote osteogenesis, likely via A2B receptors, even though findings from human MSCs should be implemented and confirmed in preclinical models. Therefore, although many data have revealed possible effects caused by extracellular purines in bone healing/remodeling, further studies, hopefully performed in in vivo models, are necessary to identify defined roles for these compounds in favoring/increasing the pro-osteogenic properties of MSCs and thereby their usefulness in bone regenerative medicine.

Restoration and Enhancement of Immunogenic Cell Death of Cisplatin by Coadministration with Digoxin and Conjugation to HPMA Copolymer

Complete tumor eradication is the ultimate goal of cancer therapy. However, the majority of anticancer drugs cause nonimmunogenic cell death and only exert on-site anticancer activities. The intrinsic genomic instability of cancer allows for the persistence and later expansion of treatment-resistant clones after surviving a sort of Darwinian selection of chemotherapy. Additional incorporation of immunotherapy, which is robust and individualized could be game-changing. Herein, we report a combination strategy that delivers nonimmunogenic cell death inducer Cisplatin to treat primary tumors and converts the tumor cells into vaccines that spurs a long-lasting immune response against residual tumors to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Cisplatin(IV) prodrug was linked to the N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer (P-Cis) and coadministered with digoxin (Dig), which eventually launched two attacks to cancer cells. First, P-Cis exhibited superior tumor retention and cytotoxicity over free Cisplatin (to inhibit the primary tumor growth). Then, Dig reversed the inability of Cisplatin to trigger calreticulin exposure, and HPMA copolymer-amplified Cisplatin-induced ATP release. These complementary mechanisms induced potent immunogenic cell death that promotes dendritic cell maturation and activates CD8⁺ T cell responses. In established tumor models, P-Cis + Dig combination completely eradicate tumors with no residual cancer cells remaining. Cancer cells succumbing to P-Cis + Dig could protect syngeneic mice against the subsequent challenge with living cells of the same type and stimulated robust abscopal and antimetastatic effects. Such a strategy might be promising to restore the immunogenicity of nonimmunogenic drugs and generate vaccine-like functions for improved immunochemotherapy.

Mechanically stimulated ATP release from murine bone cells is regulated by a balance of injury and repair

Bone cells sense and actively adapt to physical perturbations to prevent critical damage. ATP release is among the earliest cellular responses to mechanical stimulation. Mechanical stimulation of a single murine osteoblast led to the release of 70 ± 24 amole ATP, which stimulated calcium responses in neighboring cells. Osteoblasts contained ATP-rich vesicles that were released upon mechanical stimulation. Surprisingly, interventions that promoted vesicular release reduced ATP release, while inhibitors of vesicular release potentiated ATP release. Searching for an alternative ATP release route, we found that mechanical stresses induced reversible cell membrane injury in vitro and in vivo. Ca²⁺/PLC/PKC-dependent vesicular exocytosis facilitated membrane repair, thereby minimizing cell injury and reducing ATP release. Priming cellular repair machinery prior to mechanical stimulation reduced subsequent membrane injury and ATP release, linking cellular mechanosensitivity to prior mechanical exposure. Thus, our findings position ATP release as an integrated readout of membrane injury and repair.

Athletes' skeletons get stronger with training, while bones weaken in people who cannot move or in astronauts experiencing weightlessness. This is because bone cells thrive when exposed to forces. When a bone cell is exposed to a physical force, the first thing that happens is the release of the energy-rich molecule called ATP into the space outside the cell. This molecule then binds to the neighboring cell to unleash a cascade of responses. ATP can exit the cell either through special canals in the cell membrane or released in tiny pod-like structures called vesicles. It is known that strong forces can injure the cell membrane and cause ATP to spill out. However, it is less clear how ATP is released when cells are subjected to regular forces.

Mikolajewicz et al. investigated whether ATP exits through injured membranes of cells experiencing regular forces. Bone cells grown in the laboratory were gently poked with a glass needle or placed in a turbulent fluid to simulate forces experienced in the body. Dyes and fluorescent imaging techniques were used to observe the movement of vesicles and calculate the concentration of ATP in these cells.

The experiments showed that regular forces in the body do indeed injure the cell membranes and cause ATP to spill out. But importantly, the cells repaired the injuries quickly by releasing vesicles that patch the wound. As soon as the membrane is sealed, ATP stops coming out. From the first injury, cells adapted and quickly strengthened their membrane and repair system to be more resilient against future forces. This process was also seen in the shin bones of mice.

These results are important because knowing how bone cells sense, respond and convert physical forces can help us develop treatments for astronauts, the injured and aged.

TRPM3/TRPV4 regulates Ca2+-mediated RANKL/NFATc1 expression in osteoblasts

Mechanical stress plays an important role in the regulation of bone turnover. However, the mechanism underlying hypo-osmotic stress-induced cellular response in osteoblasts remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypotonic stress on the expression of bone remodeling factors, including the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and the nuclear factor of activated T cells type c1 (NFATc1) in primary mouse osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells. Hypo-osmotic stress induced significant increases in RANKL mRNA expression and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from the extracellular space. Hypo-osmotic stress-induced effects on [Ca2+]i and RANKL and NFATc1 protein expression were decreased by antagonists of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) and vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). Agonists of TRPM3 and TRPV4 activated [Ca2+]i and RANKL and NFATc1 protein expression. Furthermore, genetic suppression of Trpm3 and Trpv4 reduced hypo-osmotic stress-induced effects in mouse osteoblasts. These results suggest that hypo-osmotic stress induces increases in [Ca2+]i through TRPM3 and TRPV4 to regulate RANKL and NFATc1 expression in mouse osteoblastic cells and that mechanical stress-activated TRP channels may play a critical role in bone remodeling.

Involvement of GSK3/β-catenin in the action of extracellular ATP on differentiation of primary cultures from rat calvaria into osteoblasts

Modulation of purinergic receptors play an important role in the regulation of osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the GSK3/βcatenin signaling in the action of ATPγ-S on osteogenic differentiation of primary cell cultures from rat calvaria. Our results indicate that the cell treatment with 10 or 100 µM ATPγ-S for 96 h increase the cytoplasmic levels of β-catenin and its translocation to nucleus respect to control. A similar effect was observed after cell treatment with the GSK3 inhibitor LiCl (10 mM). Cell treatments with 4-10 mM LiCl significantly stimulated ALP activity respect to control at 4 and 7 days, suggesting that inhibition of GSK-3 mediates osteoblastic differentiation of rat calvarial cells. Effects comparison between ATP and LiCl shown that ALP activity was significantly increased by 10 µM ATPγ-S and decreased by 10 mM LiCl at 10 day of treatment, respect to control, suggesting that the effect of ATPγ-S was less potent but more persistent than of LiCl in stimulating this osteogenic marker in calvarial cells. Cell culture mineralization was significantly increased by treatment with 10 µM ATPγ-S and decreased by 10 mM LiCl, respect to control. In together, these results suggest that GSK3 inhibition is involved in ATPγ-S action on rat calvarial cell differentiation into osteoblasts at early steadies. In addition such inhibition by LiCl appear promote osteoblasts differentiation at beginning but has a deleterious effect on its function at later steadies as the extracellular matrix mineralization.

Cell culture: complications due to mechanical release of ATP and activation of purinoceptors

There is abundant evidence that ATP (adenosine 5′-triphosphate) is released from a variety of cultured cells in response to mechanical stimulation. The release mechanism involved appears to be a combination of vesicular exocytosis and connexin and pannexin hemichannels. Purinergic receptors on cultured cells mediate both short-term purinergic signalling of secretion and long-term (trophic) signalling such as proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. We aim in this review to bring to the attention of non-purinergic researchers using tissue culture that the release of ATP in response to mechanical stress evoked by the unavoidable movement of the cells acting on functional purinergic receptors on the culture cells is likely to complicate the interpretation of their data.

Urothelial ATP exocytosis: regulation of bladder compliance in the urine storage phase

The bladder urothelium is more than just a barrier. When the bladder is distended, the urothelium functions as a sensor to initiate the voiding reflex, during which it releases ATP via multiple mechanisms. However, the mechanisms underlying this ATP release in response to the various stretch stimuli caused by bladder filling remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate these mechanisms. By comparing vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT)-deficient and wild-type male mice, we showed that ATP has a crucial role in urine storage through exocytosis via a VNUT-dependent mechanism. VNUT was abundantly expressed in the bladder urothelium, and when the urothelium was weakly stimulated (i.e. in the early filling stages), it released ATP by exocytosis. VNUT-deficient mice showed reduced bladder compliance from the early storage phase and displayed frequent urination in inappropriate places without a change in voiding function. We conclude that urothelial, VNUT-dependent ATP exocytosis is involved in urine storage mechanisms that promote the relaxation of the bladder during the early stages of filling.

Dual role of P2 receptors during osteoblast differentiation

P2 receptors activated by ATP are expressed in the skeletal system. However, the role of P2 receptors in osteoblast differentiation remains unclear.

METHODS

Participation of P2 receptors in differentiation was investigated in the preosteoblast MC3T3-M1 cell line. Preosteoblasts were stimulated for 7 or 14 days in the presence of osteogenic medium containing ATP and its analogs, and then alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, gene expression analyses, and protein expression were assessed.

RESULTS

We observed that ATP and its analogs promoted increased ALP activity after 7 days of treatment. In contrast, these agonists promoted reductions in ALP activity after 14 days. Some antagonists, such as PPADS (P2 antagonist), MRS2179 (P2Y1 antagonist), MRS2578 (P2Y6 antagonist), and AZ11645373 (P2X7 antagonist) reduced the increases in ALP activity after 7 days. However, only AZ11645373 inhibited the reduction in ALP activity after 14 days. The expression of the P2Y2, P2Y6, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors was observed. Furthermore, treatment with ATP modulated the expression of P2 receptors, increasing P2X4 expression and reducing P2Y6 and P2X7 expression. Similar results were observed after 14 days. In addition, ATP treatment for 7 days increased the expression of transcription factors associated with osteoblast differentiation, such as Runx2, SP7, and Dix5, whereas SP7 and Dix5 expression was reduced at 14 days. These results suggest that P2 receptor activation modulates the differentiation of osteoblasts and is dependent upon the stage of differentiation. These results also suggest that several P2 receptors are involved in this process.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ageing: Targeting the "Purinome" to Promote Osteogenic Differentiation and Bone Repair

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into bone forming cells. Such ability is compromised in elderly individuals resulting in bone disorders such as osteoporosis, also limiting their clinical usage for cell transplantation and bone tissue engineering strategies. In bone marrow niches, adenine and uracil nucleotides are important local regulators of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Nucleotides can be released to the extracellular milieu under both physiological and pathological conditions via (1) membrane cell damage, (2) vesicle exocytosis, (3) ATP-binding cassette transporters, and/or (4) facilitated diffusion through maxi-anion channels, hemichannels or ligand-gated receptor pores. Nucleotides and their derivatives act via adenosine P1 (A1 , A2A , A2B , and A3 ) and nucleotide-sensitive P2 purinoceptors comprising ionotropic P2X and G-protein-coupled P2Y receptors. Purinoceptors activation is terminated by membrane-bound ecto-nucleotidases and other ecto-phosphatases, which rapidly hydrolyse extracellular nucleotides to their respective nucleoside 5'-di- and mono-phosphates, nucleosides and free phosphates, or pyrophosphates. Current knowledge suggests that different players of the "purinome" cascade, namely nucleotide release sites, ecto-nucleotidases and purinoceptors, orchestrate to fine-tuning regulate the activity of MSCs in the bone microenvironment. Increasing studies, using osteoprogenitor cell lines, animal models and, more recently, non-modified MSCs from postmenopausal women, raised the possibility to target chief components of the purinergic signaling pathway to regenerate the ability of aged MSCs to differentiate into functional osteoblasts. This review summarizes the main findings of those studies, prompting for novel therapeutic strategies to control ageing disorders where bone destruction exceeds bone formation, like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fracture mal-union. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1852-1861, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Purinergic Mechanisms and Pain

There is a brief introductory summary of purinergic signaling involving ATP storage, release, and ectoenzymatic breakdown, and the current classification of receptor subtypes for purines and pyrimidines. The review then describes purinergic mechanosensory transduction involved in visceral, cutaneous, and musculoskeletal nociception and on the roles played by receptor subtypes in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Multiple purinoceptor subtypes are involved in pain pathways both as an initiator and modulator. Activation of homomeric P2X3 receptors contributes to acute nociception and activation of heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors appears to modulate longer-lasting nociceptive sensitivity associated with nerve injury or chronic inflammation. In neuropathic pain activation of P2X4, P2X7, and P2Y12 receptors on microglia may serve to maintain nociceptive sensitivity through complex neural-glial cell interactions and antagonists to these receptors reduce neuropathic pain. Potential therapeutic approaches involving purinergic mechanisms will be discussed.

The role of purinergic signalling in the musculoskeletal system

Accumulating evidence now suggests that purinergic signalling exerts significant regulatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. In particular, it has emerged that extracellular nucleotides are key regulators of bone cell differentiation, survival and function. This review discusses our current understanding of the direct effects of purinergic signalling in bone, cartilage and muscle.

Understanding the roles of the P2X7 receptor in solid tumour progression and therapeutic perspectives

P2X7 is an intriguing ionotropic receptor for which the activation by extracellular ATP induces rapid inward cationic currents and intracellular signalling pathways associated with numerous physiological processes such as the induction of the inflammatory cascade, the survival and proliferation of cells. In contrast, long-term stimulation of P2X7 is generally associated with membrane permeabilisation and cell death. Recently, P2X7 has attracted great attention in the cancer field, and particularly in the neoplastic transformation and the progression of solid tumours. A growing number of studies were published; however they often appeared contradictory in their results and conclusions. As such, the involvement of P2X7 in the oncogenic process remains unclear so far. The present review aims to discuss the current knowledge and hypotheses on the involvement of the P2X7 receptor in the development and progression of solid tumours, and highlight the different aspects that require further clarification in order to decipher whether P2X7 could be considered as a cancer biomarker or as a target for pharmacological intervention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane channels and transporters in cancers.

P2Y2 receptors regulate osteoblast mechanosensitivity during fluid flow

Mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts activates many cellular mechanisms including the release of ATP. Binding of ATP to purinergic receptors is key to load-induced osteogenesis. Osteoblasts also respond to fluid shear stress (FSS) with increased actin stress fiber formation (ASFF) that we postulate is in response to activation of the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R). Furthermore, we predict that ASFF increases cell stiffness and reduces the sensitivity to further mechanical stimulation. We found that small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppression of P2Y2R attenuated ASFF in response to FSS and ATP treatment. In addition, RhoA GTPase was activated within 15 min after the onset of FSS or ATP treatment and mediated ASFF following P2Y2R activation via the Rho kinase (ROCK)1/LIM kinase 2/cofilin pathway. We also observed that ASFF in response to FSS or ATP treatment increased the cell stiffness and was prevented by knocking down P2Y2R. Finally, we confirmed that the enhanced cell stiffness and ASFF in response to RhoA GTPase activation during FSS drastically reduced the mechanosensitivity of the osteoblasts based on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) response to consecutive bouts of FSS. These data suggest that osteoblasts can regulate their mechanosensitivity to continued load through P2Y2R activation of the RhoA GTPase signaling cascade, leading to ASFF and increased cell stiffness.

Purinergic signalling in the musculoskeletal system

It is now widely recognised that extracellular nucleotides, signalling via purinergic receptors, participate in numerous biological processes in most tissues. It has become evident that extracellular nucleotides have significant regulatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. In early development, ATP released from motor nerves along with acetylcholine acts as a cotransmitter in neuromuscular transmission; in mature animals, ATP functions as a neuromodulator. Purinergic receptors expressed by skeletal muscle and satellite cells play important pathophysiological roles in their development or repair. In many cell types, expression of purinergic receptors is often dependent on differentiation. For example, sequential expression of P2X5, P2Y1 and P2X2 receptors occurs during muscle regeneration in the mdx model of muscular dystrophy. In bone and cartilage cells, the functional effects of purinergic signalling appear to be largely negative. ATP stimulates the formation and activation of osteoclasts, the bone-destroying cells. Another role appears to be as a potent local inhibitor of mineralisation. In osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, ATP acts via P2 receptors to limit bone mineralisation by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase expression and activity. Extracellular ATP additionally exerts significant effects on mineralisation via its hydrolysis product, pyrophosphate. Evidence now suggests that purinergic signalling is potentially important in several bone and joint disorders including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. Strategies for future musculoskeletal therapies might involve modulation of purinergic receptor function or of the ecto-nucleotidases responsible for ATP breakdown or ATP transport inhibitors.

The P2Y13 receptor regulates extracellular ATP metabolism and the osteogenic response to mechanical loading

ATP release and subsequent activation of purinergic receptors has been suggested to be one of the key transduction pathways activated by mechanical stimulation of bone. The P2Y(13) receptor, recently found to be expressed by osteoblasts, has been suggested to provide a negative feedback pathway for ATP release in different cell types. Therefore, we hypothesized that the P2Y(13) receptor may contribute to the mediation of osteogenic responses to mechanical stimulation by regulating ATP metabolism by osteoblasts. To test this hypothesis, wild-type (WT) and P2Y(13) receptor knockout (P2Y(13)R-/-) mice were subject to non-invasive axial mechanical loading of the left tibiae to induce an osteogenic response. Micro-computed tomography analysis showed mechanical loading induced an osteogenic response in both strains of mice in terms of increased total bone volume and cortical bone volume, with the P2Y(13)R-/- mice having a significantly greater response. The extent of the increased osteogenic response was defined by dynamic histomorphometry data showing dramatically increased bone formation and mineral apposition rates in P2Y(13)R-/- mice compared with controls. In vitro, primary P2Y(13)R-/- osteoblasts had an accumulation of mechanically induced extracellular ATP and reduced levels of hydrolysis. In addition, P2Y(13)R-/- osteoblasts also had a reduction in their maximal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, one of the main ecto-enzymes expressed by osteoblasts, which hydrolyzes extracellular ATP. In conclusion, deletion of the P2Y(13) receptor leads to an enhanced osteogenic response to mechanical loading in vivo, possibly because of the reduced extracellular ATP degradation by ALP. The augmented osteogenic response to mechanical stimulation, combined with suppressed bone remodeling activities and protection from OVX-induced bone loss after P2Y(13) receptor depletion as previously described, suggests a potential role for P2Y(13) receptor antagonist-based therapy, possibly in combination with mechanical loading, for the treatment of osteoporosis.

ATP and UTP stimulate bone morphogenetic protein-2,-4 and -5 gene expression and mineralization by rat primary osteoblasts involving PI3K/AKT pathway

The modulation of purinergic receptors plays an important role in the regulation of bone formation by the osteoblast. On the other hand, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, regulate the differentiation of osteoprogenitor bone cells and stimulate bone formation. In this study, we investigate the effects of several nucleotides on osteoblast differentiation and function, and their relation with the gene expression of osteogenic proteins BMP-2, BMP-4 and BMP-5 as well as of differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). Our results indicate that 100μM ATP, ATPγS and UTP, but not ADP, ADPβS or UDP, promote ALP activity in rat primary osteoblasts, showing a peak about day 7 of the treatment. ATP, ATPγS and UTP also increase the mRNA levels of ALP, BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-5 and BSP. Both the ALP activity and ALP and BMP-4 mRNA increments induced by ATP and UTP are inhibited by Ly294002, a PI3K inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in purinergic modulation of osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, bone mineralization enhance 1 and 1.5 fold after culturing osteoblasts in the presence of 100μM ATP or UTP, respectively, but not of ADP or UDP for 22 days. This information suggests that P2Y2 receptors (responsive to ATP, ATPγS and UTP) enhance osteoblast differentiation involving PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation and gene expression induction of ALP, BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-5 and BSP. Our findings state a novel molecular mechanism that involves specific gene expression activation of osteoblast function by the purinoreceptors, which would be of help in setting up new pharmacological strategies for the intervention in bone loss pathologies.

Local detection of mechanically induced ATP release from bone cells with ATP microbiosensors

The mechanically induced release of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) from osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was measured in real time. A stretching device integrated into scanning electrochemical microscopy was developed to apply controlled mechanical strain to MC3T3-E1 cells. For ATP secretion, a stepwise yet uniform mechanical stress was imposed onto MC3T3-E1 cells. The ATP biosensors were positioned at a distance of approximately 30-40 μm above the cell surface. Calibration functions were recorded prior to the cell measurements and revealed a linear response up to 40 μM with a sensitivity of 1-5pA/μM ATP. Stretching MC3T3-E1 cells up to 21% resulted in a concentration of 30.57±4.82 μM of extracellular ATP (N=12) detected above the cell surface. As a control experiment, nifedipine, a L-type voltage sensitive calcium channel (L-VSCC) inhibitor was applied, which blocks Ca(2+)entry from the outer medium into the cell. Inhibition resulted in a significantly smaller amount of released ATP, i.e., 7.08±1.93 μM ATP (N=10). Further control experiments with glucose microbiosensors did not yield significant changes of the baseline current (N=8).

Intercellular Ca(2+) waves: mechanisms and function

Intercellular calcium (Ca(2+)) waves (ICWs) represent the propagation of increases in intracellular Ca(2+) through a syncytium of cells and appear to be a fundamental mechanism for coordinating multicellular responses. ICWs occur in a wide diversity of cells and have been extensively studied in vitro. More recent studies focus on ICWs in vivo. ICWs are triggered by a variety of stimuli and involve the release of Ca(2+) from internal stores. The propagation of ICWs predominately involves cell communication with internal messengers moving via gap junctions or extracellular messengers mediating paracrine signaling. ICWs appear to be important in both normal physiology as well as pathophysiological processes in a variety of organs and tissues including brain, liver, retina, cochlea, and vascular tissue. We review here the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of ICWs, the key intra- and extracellular messengers (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ATP) mediating ICWs, and the proposed physiological functions of ICWs.

Phenotypic analysis and isolation of murine hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-committed progenitors

The bone marrow is the principal site where HSCs and more mature blood cells lineage progenitors reside and differentiate in an adult organism. HSCs constitute a minute cell population of pluripotent cells capable of generating all blood cell lineages for a life-time(1). The molecular dissection of HSCs homeostasis in the bone marrow has important implications in hematopoiesis, oncology and regenerative medicine. We describe the labeling protocol with fluorescent antibodies and the electronic gating procedure in flow cytometry to score hematopoietic progenitor subsets and HSCs distribution in individual mice (Fig. 1). In addition, we describe a method to extensively enrich hematopoietic progenitors as well as long-term (LT) and short term (ST) reconstituting HSCs from pooled bone marrow cell suspensions by magnetic enrichment of cells expressing c-Kit. The resulting cell preparation can be used to sort selected subsets for in vitro and in vivo functional studies (Fig. 2). Both trabecular osteoblasts(2,3) and sinusoidal endothelium(4) constitute functional niches supporting HSCs in the bone marrow. Several mechanisms in the osteoblastic niche, including a subset of N-cadherin(+) osteoblasts(3) and interaction of the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 expressed in HSCs with its ligand angiopoietin-1(5) concur in determining HSCs quiescence. "Hibernation" in the bone marrow is crucial to protect HSCs from replication and eventual exhaustion upon excessive cycling activity(6). Exogenous stimuli acting on cells of the innate immune system such as Toll-like receptor ligands(7) and interferon-α(6) can also induce proliferation and differentiation of HSCs into lineage committed progenitors. Recently, a population of dormant mouse HSCs within the lin(- )c-Kit(+ )Sca-1(+ )CD150(+ )CD48(- )CD34(-) population has been described(8). Sorting of cells based on CD34 expression from the hematopoietic progenitors-enriched cell suspension as described here allows the isolation of both quiescent self-renewing LT-HSCs and ST-HSCs(9). A similar procedure based on depletion of lineage positive cells and sorting of LT-HSC with CD48 and Flk2 antibodies has been previously described(10). In the present report we provide a protocol for the phenotypic characterization and ex vivo cell cycle analysis of hematopoietic progenitors, which can be useful for monitoring hematopoiesis in different physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, we describe a FACS sorting procedure for HSCs, which can be used to define factors and mechanisms regulating their self-renewal, expansion and differentiation in cell biology and signal transduction assays as well as for transplantation.

The P2X7 Receptor is an Important Regulator of Extracellular ATP Levels

Controlled ATP release has been demonstrated from many neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. Once released, extracellular ATP acts on cells in a paracrine manner via purinergic receptors. Considerable evidence now suggests that extracellular nucleotides, signaling via P2 receptors, play important roles in bone homeostasis modulating both osteoblast and osteoclast function. In this study, we demonstrate that mouse osteoclasts and their precursors constitutively release ATP into their extracellular environment. Levels were highest at day 2 (precursor cells), possibly reflecting the high number of red blood cells and accessory cells present. Mature osteoclasts constitutively released ATP in the range 0.05-0.5 pmol/ml/cell. Both osteoclasts and osteoblasts express mRNA and protein for the P2X7 receptor. We found that in osteoclasts, expression levels are fourfold higher in mature cells relative to precursors, whilst in osteoblasts expression remains relatively constant during differentiation. Selective antagonists (0.1-100 μM AZ10606120, A438079, and KN-62) were used to determine whether this release was mediated via P2X7 receptors. AZ10606120, A438079, and KN-62, at 0.1-10 μM, decreased ATP release by mature osteoclasts by up to 70, 60, and 80%, respectively. No differences in cell viability were observed. ATP release also occurs via vesicular exocytosis; inhibitors of this process (1-100 μM NEM or brefeldin A) had no effect on ATP release from osteoclasts. P2X7 receptor antagonists (0.1-10 μM) also decreased ATP release from primary rat osteoblasts by up to 80%. These data show that ATP release via the P2X7 receptor contributes to extracellular ATP levels in osteoclast and osteoblast cultures, suggesting an important additional role for this receptor in autocrine/paracrine purinergic signaling in bone.

Butyl benzyl phthalate suppresses the ATP-induced cell proliferation in human osteosarcoma HOS cells

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), an endocrine disruptor present in the environment, exerts its genomic effects via intracellular steroid receptors and elicits non-genomic effects by interfering with membrane ion-channel receptors. We previously found that BBP blocks the calcium signaling coupled with P2X receptors in PC12 cells (Liu & Chen, 2006). Osteoblast P2X receptors were recently reported to play a role in cell proliferation and bone remodeling. In this present study, the effects of BBP on ATP-induced responses were investigated in human osteosarcoma HOS cells. These receptors mRNA had been detected, named P2X4, P2X7, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y5, P2Y9, and P2Y11, in human osteosarcoma HOS cells by RT-PCR. The enhancement of cell proliferation and the decrease of cytoviability had both been shown to be coupled to stimulation via different concentrations of ATP. BBP suppressed the ATP-induced calcium influx (mainly coupled with P2X) and cell proliferation but not the ATP-induced intracellular calcium release (mainly coupled with P2Y) and cytotoxicity in human osteosarcoma HOS cells. Suramin, a common P2 receptor's antagonist, blocked the ATP-induced calcium signaling, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity. We suggest that P2X is mainly responsible for cell proliferation, and P2Y might be partially responsible for the observed cytotoxicity. BBP suppressed the calcium signaling coupled with P2X, suppressing cell proliferation. Since the importance of P2X receptors during bone metastasis has recently become apparent, the possible toxic risk of environmental BBP during bone remodeling is a public problem of concern.

Basal release of ATP: an autocrine-paracrine mechanism for cell regulation

Cells release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which activates plasma membrane-localized P2X and P2Y receptors and thereby modulates cellular function in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Release of ATP and the subsequent activation of P2 receptors help establish the basal level of activation (sometimes termed "the set point") for signal transduction pathways and regulate a wide array of responses that include tissue blood flow, ion transport, cell volume regulation, neuronal signaling, and host-pathogen interactions. Basal release and autocrine or paracrine responses to ATP are multifunctional, evolutionarily conserved, and provide an economical means for the modulation of cell, tissue, and organismal biology.

Spatio-temporal PLC activation in parallel with intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation in mechanically stimulated single MDCK cells

Intracellular Ca2+ transients are evoked either by the opening of Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane or by phospholipase C (PLC) activation resulting in IP3 production. Ca2+ wave propagation is known to occur in mechanically stimulated cells; however, it remains uncertain whether and how PLC activation is involved in intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation in mechanically stimulated cells. To answer these questions, it is indispensable to clarify the spatio-temporal relations between intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation and PLC activation. Thus, we visualized both cytosolic Ca2+ and PLC activation using a real-time dual-imaging system in individual Mardin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. This system allowed us to simultaneously observe intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation and PLC activation in a spatio-temporal manner in a single mechanically stimulated MDCK cell. The results showed that PLC was activated not only in the mechanically stimulated region but also in other subcellular regions in parallel with intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation. These results support a model in which PLC is involved in Ca2+ signaling amplification in mechanically stimulated cells.

Active creatine kinase is present in matrix vesicles isolated from femurs of chicken embryo: Implications for bone mineralization

Proteomic analysis of matrix vesicles (MVs) isolated from 17-day-old chicken embryo femurs revealed the presence of creatine kinase. In this report we identified the enzyme functionally and suggest that the enzyme may participate in the synthesis of ATP from ADP and phosphocreatine within the lumen of these organelles. Then, ATP is converted by nucleotide hydrolyzing enzymes such as Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, protein kinase C, or alkaline phosphatase to yield inorganic phosphate (P(i)), a substrate for mineralization. Alternatively, ATP can be hydrolyzed by a nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 producing inorganic pyrophosphate (PP(i)), a mineralization inhibitor. In addition, immunochemical evidence indicated that VDAC 2 is present in MVs that may serve as a transporter of nucleotides from the extracellular matrix. We discussed the implications of ATP production and hydrolysis by MVs as regulatory mechanisms for mineralization.

Extracellular release of ATP mediated by cyclic mechanical stress leads to mobilization of AA in trabecular meshwork cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanisms that mediate the release of ATP induced by cyclic mechanical stress (CMS) and the role of extracellular ATP in the mobilization of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin secretion.

METHODS

Porcine trabecular meshwork (pTM) cells were subjected to CMS. Extracellular ATP was detected with a luciferin-luciferase assay in the presence or absence of transport inhibitors and a lipid raft disrupter. ATP vesicles were visualized with quinacrine. The release of AA (AA 1-14C) was measured with and without ATP, ATP inhibitors, and phospholipase-A and -C inhibitors. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and viability were measured with ELISA and a lactate dehydrogenase assay, respectively.

RESULTS

CMS induced ATP release that was inhibited by the vesicle inhibitors N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and monensin. Lipid raft disruption significantly increased the extracellular ATP induced by CMS. CMS induced AA release (1-4-fold increase) and its metabolic product PGE2 (3.9-fold increase). The AA mobilization induced by CMS could be mimicked by the addition of extracellular ATP and was partially inhibited by a P2 antagonist, by an ATP inhibitor, and by inhibitors of phospholipase-A2 and -C. Addition of PGE2 (10 microM) to the media exerted cytoprotective effects against long-term CMS.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracellular release of ATP induced by CMS in TM cells is mediated by exocytosis of ATP-enriched vesicles into lipid rafts. The resulting activation of purinergic receptors leads to mobilization of AA from the plasma membrane. The subsequent release of PGE could exert protective effects by preventing TM cell loss that may result from chronic exposure to CMS.

Involvement of respiratory chain in the regulatory volume decrease process in turbot hepatocytes

Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) constitutes a fundamental process that turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) hepatocytes are able to perform when exposed to hypo-osmotic stress. RVD is an integrative mechanism that involves various elements of the cellular machinery. Among others, ATP is an essential protagonist: released following hypo-osmotic shock, it acts as an auto/paracrine factor to trigger other signalling events. The origin of this ATP remains unclear and, to the best of our knowledge, no information exists about the role of mitochondrial respiration in RVD. Therefore, we propose to analyse the potential link between RVD and the respiratory chain, with a focus on ATP release and exocytosis. Using inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, RVD was shown to be dependent on respiratory chain activity. However, we demonstrated an indirect role of mitochondrial respiration: ATP could be synthesized and then stored in intracellular vesicles until the moment cells release it to face hypo-osmotic swelling. However, the involvement of exocytosis in this process needs to be further investigated.

PI3K, Rho, and ROCK play a key role in hypoxia-induced ATP release and ATP-stimulated angiogenic responses in pulmonary artery vasa vasorum endothelial cells

We recently reported that vasa vasorum expansion occurs in the pulmonary artery (PA) adventitia of chronically hypoxic animals and that extracellular ATP is a pro-angiogenic factor for isolated vasa vasorum endothelial cells (VVEC). However, the sources of extracellular ATP in the PA vascular wall, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its release, remain elusive. Studies were undertaken to explore whether VVEC release ATP in response to hypoxia and to determine signaling pathways involved in this process. We found that hypoxia (1-3% O2) resulted in time- and O2-dependent ATP release from VVEC. Preincubation with the inhibitors of vesicular transport (monensin, brefeldin A, and N-ethylmaleimide) significantly decreased ATP accumulation in the VVEC conditioned media, suggesting that hypoxia-induced ATP release occurs through vesicular exocytosis. Additionally, both hypoxia and exogenously added ATP resulted in the activation of PI3K and accumulation of GTP-bound RhoA in a time-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K and ROCK or knockout of RhoA by small interfering RNA significantly abolished hypoxia-induced ATP release from VVEC. Moreover, RhoA and ROCK play a critical role in ATP-induced increases in VVEC DNA synthesis, migration, and tube formation, indicating a functional contribution of PI3K, Rho, and ROCK to both the autocrine mechanism of ATP release and ATP-mediated angiogenic activation of VVEC. Taken together, our findings provide novel evidence for the signaling mechanisms that link hypoxia-induced increases in extracellular ATP and vasa vasorum expansion.

1alpha,25(OH)(2) vitamin D(3) induction of ATP secretion in osteoblasts

In the absence of mechanical stimulation, brief exposure of osteoblasts to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)vitamin D(3) (1,25D) triggers plasma membrane electrical responses that couple to exocytosis. Here we describe for the first time 1,25D induction of exocytotic ATP release in static ROS 17/2.8 and SAOS-2 cells and primary calvarial osteoblasts expressing a vitamin D receptor (VDR). We found that 10 nM 1,25D optimally induced 45 +/- 1% and 40 +/- 1% of partial and complete exocytotic events, respectively, from a 1,25D-sensitive pool of ATP-containing secretory vesicles within 60 s. We measured a dose-dependent 1,25D induction of ATP secretion, with maximal response of approximately 6.2-fold (16.93 +/- 1.82 nM for SAOS-2) and 3.1-fold (18.89 +/- 1.39 nM for ROS 17/2.8) obtained with 10 nM 1,25D compared with basal ATP levels (2.75 +/- 0.39 nM, SAOS-2; 6.09 +/- 0.58 nM, ROS 17/2.8 cells). The natural metabolite 25(OH)vitamin D(3) (25D, 10 nM) induced a significant 3.6-fold increase of ATP release in ROS 17/2.8 cells, but there was no induction with the antagonist 1beta,25(OH)(2)vitamin D(3) (1beta,25D, 10 nM) or the steroid 17beta-estradiol (10 nM). 1,25D-induced ATP secretion was abolished when cells were preincubated with inhibitors of vesicular exocytosis. siRNA VDR silencing prevented 1,25D stimulation of ATP exocytosis in ROS 17/2.8 and SAOS-2 cells. Similarly, 1,25D failed to stimulate ATP exocytosis in primary osteoblasts from a VDR knockout mouse. ATP secretion coupled to 1,25D induction of cytosolic calcium and chloride channel potentiation. Rapid 1,25D stimulation of ATP secretion involving nontranscriptional VDR functions in osteoblasts may help explain 1,25D bone anabolic properties.

Hypoxia stimulates vesicular ATP release from rat osteoblasts

Many neuronal and non-neuronal cell types release ATP in a controlled manner. After release, extracellular ATP (or, following hydrolysis, ADP) acts on cells in a paracrine manner via P2 receptors. Extracellular nucleotides are now thought to play an important role in the regulation of bone cell function. ATP (and ADP), acting via the P2Y(1) receptor, stimulate osteoclast formation and activity, whilst P2Y(2) receptor stimulation by ATP (or UTP) inhibits bone mineralization by osteoblasts. We found that rat calvarial osteoblasts released ATP constitutively, in a differentiation-dependent manner, with mature, bone-forming osteoblasts releasing up to sevenfold more ATP than undifferentiated, proliferating cells. The inhibitors of vesicular exocytosis, monensin, and N-ethylmaleimide (1-1,000 microM) inhibited basal ATP release by up to 99%. The presence of granular ATP-filled vesicles within the osteoblast cytoplasm was demonstrated by quinacrine staining. Exposure to hypoxia (2% O(2)) for up to 3 min increased ATP release from osteoblasts up to 2.5-fold without affecting cell viability. Peak concentrations of ATP released into culture medium were >1 microM, which equates with concentrations known to exert significant effects on osteoblast and osteoclast function. Monensin and N-ethylmaleimide (100 microM) attenuated the hypoxia-induced ATP release by up to 80%. Depletion of quinacrine-stained vesicles was also apparent after hypoxic stimulation, indicating that ATP release had taken place. These data suggest that vesicular exocytosis is a key mediator of ATP release from osteoblasts, in biologically significant amounts. Moreover, increased extracellular ATP levels following acute exposure to low O(2) could influence local purinergic signaling and affect the balance between bone formation and bone resorption.

From streaming-potentials to shear stress: 25 years of bone cell mechanotransduction

Mechanical loads are vital regulators of skeletal mass and architecture as evidenced by the increase in bone formation following the addition of exogenous loads and loss of bone mass following their removal. While our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells perceive changes in their mechanical environment has increased rapidly in recent years, much remains to be learned. Here, we outline the effects of interstitial fluid flow, a potent biophysical signal induced by the deformation of skeletal tissue in response to applied loads, on bone cell behavior. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells are hypothesized to perceive interstitial fluid flow, the cell signaling cascades activated by fluid flow, and the use of this signal in tissue engineering protocols.

Possible participation of chloride ion channels in ATP release from cancer cells in suspension

1. Cancer cells must detach from the primary focus to initiate the process of metastasis. Previously, we demonstrated that intracellular Ca(2+) levels are increased in endothelial cells in the presence of cancer cells and that ATP derived from these cells causes this increase. The present study clarifies the mechanism of ATP release from cancer cells by investigating the effects of Cl(-) channel inhibitors and other drugs on ATP release from human fibrosarcoma cells (HT-1080 cells). 2. Levels of extracellular ATP and its metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescent detection. 3. Significantly more extracellular ATP was released by suspended than by adherent HT-1080 cells. The Cl(-) channel inhibitors 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (100 micromol/L), gadolinium (100 micromol/L) and niflumic acid (100 micromol/L) all significantly inhibited ATP release from HT-1080 cells (1 x 10(3) /mL) to 39.7 +/- 6.5, 28.5 +/- 2.5 and 82.5 +/- 4.1% of control, respectively. 4. Neither of the p-glycoprotein inhibitors (i.e. 50 micromol/L quinidine and 90 micromol/L verapamil) had any effect on ATP release from HT-1080 cells. The gap junction hemichannel inhibitor Gap26 (300 micromol/L) slightly, but significantly, decreased ATP release by approximately 20%. The gap junction inhibitor 18-alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (10 micromol/L) tended to inhibit ATP release from HT-1080 cells, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. 5. These findings indicate that Cl(-) channels play the most important role in ATP release from detached cancer cells and that gap junction hemichannels are also associated with ATP release.

Autocrine signaling involved in cell volume regulation: the role of released transmitters and plasma membrane receptors

Cell volume regulation is a basic homeostatic mechanism transcendental for the normal physiology and function of cells. It is mediated principally by the activation of osmolyte transport pathways that result in net changes in solute concentration that counteract cell volume challenges in its constancy. This process has been described to be regulated by a complex assortment of intracellular signal transduction cascades. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that alterations in cell volume induce the release of a wide variety of transmitters including hormones, ATP and neurotransmitters, which have been proposed to act as extracellular signals that regulate the activation of cell volume regulatory mechanisms. In addition, changes in cell volume have also been reported to activate plasma membrane receptors (including tyrosine kinase receptors, G-protein coupled receptors and integrins) that have been demonstrated to participate in the regulatory process of cell volume. In this review, we summarize recent studies about the role of changes in cell volume in the regulation of transmitter release as well as in the activation of plasma membrane receptors and their further implications in the regulation of the signaling machinery that regulates the activation of osmolyte flux pathways. We propose that the autocrine regulation of Ca2+-dependent and tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways by the activation of plasma membrane receptors and swelling-induced transmitter release is necessary for the activation/regulation of osmolyte efflux pathways and cell volume recovery. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of studying these extrinsic signals because of their significance in the understanding of the physiology of cell volume regulation and its role in cell biology in vivo, where the constraint of the extracellular space might enhance the autocrine or even paracrine signaling induced by these released transmitters.

Possible role of extracellular nucleotides in ectopic ossification of human spinal ligaments

To reveal the involvement of extracellular nucleotides in the ossification process in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL), the mRNA expression profiles of P2 purinoceptors, mechanical stress-induced ATP release, and ATP-stimulated expression of osteogenic genes were analyzed in ligament cells derived from the spinal ligament of OPLL patients (OPLL cells) and non-OPLL cells derived from the spinal ligaments of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients as a control. The extracellular ATP concentrations of OPLL cells in static culture were significantly higher than those of non-OPLL cells, and this difference was diminished in the presence of ARL67156, an ecto-nuclease inhibitor. Cyclic stretch markedly increased the extracellular ATP concentrations of both cell types to almost the same level. P2Y1 purinoceptor subtypes were intensively expressed in OPLL cells, but only weakly expressed in non-OPLL cells. Not only ATP addition but also cyclic stretch raised the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin in OPLL cells, which were blocked by MRS2179, a selective P2Y1 antagonist. These increases in the expression of osteogenic genes were not observed in non-OPLL cells. These results suggest an important role of P2Y1 and extracellular ATP in the progression of OPLL stimulated by mechanical stress.

H(2)O(2) modulates purinergic-dependent calcium signalling in osteoblast-like cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have long been considered as toxic by-products of aerobic metabolism and appear involved in the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases. The physiological role of ROS as second messengers in cell signal transduction is, on the other hand, increasingly recognized. Here we investigated the effects of H(2)O(2) and extracellular nucleotides on calcium signalling in four osteoblastic cell lines. In the highly differentiated HOBIT cells, sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of ADP and UTP, millimolar H(2)O(2) induced oscillatory increases of the cytosolic calcium concentration followed by a steady and sustained calcium increase. Long lasting rhythmic calcium activity was induced by micromolar H(2)O(2) doses. The H(2)O(2)-induced calcium signals, due to both release from intracellular stores and influx from the extracellular milieu, were totally prevented by incubating the cells with the P2 receptor antagonist suramin or with the ATP/ADP hydrolyzing enzyme apyrase. In the osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cells micromolar H(2)O(2) failed to evoke calcium signals and millimolar H(2)O(2) induced a slowly developing calcium influx which was unaffected by suramin and apyrase. These cells responded to micromolar concentrations of ATP and ADP, but were largely insensitive to UTP. ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells were totally insensitive to ATP, ADP and UTP in keeping with the evidence that these cells lack functional purinergic receptors. In these cells, H(2)O(2) up to 1mM did not increase the cytosolic calcium concentration. In ROS/P2Y(2) cells, stably expressing the P2Y(2) receptor, spontaneous calcium oscillations were observed in 38% of the population and nanomolar concentration of extracellular ATP or UTP activated oscillations in quiescent cells. Spontaneous calcium signals were inhibited by suramin and apyrase. In these cells H(2)O(2) induced oscillatory calcium activity that was blocked by suramin and apyrase. The sensitivity of ROS/P2Y(2) cells to UTP decreased significantly in the presence of DTT, which was effective also in inhibiting spontaneous calcium oscillations. On the other hand, the membrane-impermeant thiol oxidant DTNB induced calcium oscillations that were inhibited by incubating the cells with suramin or apyrase. Since peroxide did not increase extracellular ATP in these cell lines, we propose that, in osteoblasts, mild oxidative conditions could activate purinergic signalling through the sensitization of P2Y(2) receptor.

Physiology and pathophysiology of purinergic neurotransmission

This review is focused on purinergic neurotransmission, i.e., ATP released from nerves as a transmitter or cotransmitter to act as an extracellular signaling molecule on both pre- and postjunctional membranes at neuroeffector junctions and synapses, as well as acting as a trophic factor during development and regeneration. Emphasis is placed on the physiology and pathophysiology of ATP, but extracellular roles of its breakdown product, adenosine, are also considered because of their intimate interactions. The early history of the involvement of ATP in autonomic and skeletal neuromuscular transmission and in activities in the central nervous system and ganglia is reviewed. Brief background information is given about the identification of receptor subtypes for purines and pyrimidines and about ATP storage, release, and ectoenzymatic breakdown. Evidence that ATP is a cotransmitter in most, if not all, peripheral and central neurons is presented, as well as full accounts of neurotransmission and neuromodulation in autonomic and sensory ganglia and in the brain and spinal cord. There is coverage of neuron-glia interactions and of purinergic neuroeffector transmission to nonmuscular cells. To establish the primitive and widespread nature of purinergic neurotransmission, both the ontogeny and phylogeny of purinergic signaling are considered. Finally, the pathophysiology of purinergic neurotransmission in both peripheral and central nervous systems is reviewed, and speculations are made about future developments.

ATP release mediates fluid flow-induced proliferation of human bone marrow stromal cells

Oscillatory fluid flow induced the vesicular release of ATP from human BMSCs that directly contributes to the induction of BMSC proliferation. Degrading extracellular nucleotides prevents fluid flow-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration, the activation of calcineurin, and the nuclear translocation of NFAT.

INTRODUCTION

Regulation of bone cell activity by autocrine/paracrine factors is a well-established mechanism by which skeletal homeostasis is regulated by mechanical signals. The release of extracellular nucleotides in particular has been shown to induce many of the responses thought to be necessary for load-induced bone formation. In these studies, we examined the effect of oscillatory fluid flow on the release of ATP from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and the effect of ATP release on BMSC proliferation and intracellular calcium signaling pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BMSCs were exposed to oscillatory fluid flow, and the concentration of ATP in conditioned media samples was determined using a luciferin:luciferase-based reaction. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of purinergic receptors. Using pharmacological antagonists of gap junction hemichannels and vesicular trafficking, we studied the mechanism of ATP release from BMSCs. Apyrase was used to study the effect of extracellular nucleotides on intracellular calcium concentration, calcineurin activity, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) nuclear translocation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Fluid flow exposure induced the flow rate-dependent release of ATP from BMSCs that was attenuated by treatment with monensin and N-ethylmaleimide, suggesting a vesicular mechanism. Treating BMSCs with ATP, but not other nucleotides, increased cellular proliferation. Moreover, extracellular ATP was a prerequisite for fluid flow-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration, activation of calcineurin, the nuclear translocation of NFATc1, and proliferation. These data indicate that ATP regulates not only osteoblastic and osteocytic cell behavior but also that of mesenchymal precursors and support our hypothesis that similar mechanotransduction mechanisms are activated by fluid flow in these cell types.

Hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling: cellular and molecular mechanisms

Chronic hypoxic exposure induces changes in the structure of pulmonary arteries, as well as in the biochemical and functional phenotypes of each of the vascular cell types, from the hilum of the lung to the most peripheral vessels in the alveolar wall. The magnitude and the specific profile of the changes depend on the species, sex, and the developmental stage at which the exposure to hypoxia occurred. Further, hypoxia-induced changes are site specific, such that the remodeling process in the large vessels differs from that in the smallest vessels. The cellular and molecular mechanisms vary and depend on the cellular composition of vessels at particular sites along the longitudinal axis of the pulmonary vasculature, as well as on local environmental factors. Each of the resident vascular cell types (ie, endothelial, smooth muscle, adventitial fibroblast) undergo site- and time-dependent alterations in proliferation, matrix protein production, expression of growth factors, cytokines, and receptors, and each resident cell type plays a specific role in the overall remodeling response. In addition, hypoxic exposure induces an inflammatory response within the vessel wall, and the recruited circulating progenitor cells contribute significantly to the structural remodeling and persistent vasoconstriction of the pulmonary circulation. The possibility exists that the lung or lung vessels also contain resident progenitor cells that participate in the remodeling process. Thus the hypoxia-induced remodeling of the pulmonary circulation is a highly complex process where numerous interactive events must be taken into account as we search for newer, more effective therapeutic interventions. This review provides perspectives on each of the aforementioned areas.

Bisphosphonates activate nucleotide receptors signaling and induce the expression of Hsp90 in osteoblast-like cell lines

Bisphosphonates are the most important drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis as they inhibit osteoclast resorption and stimulate proliferation of osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects are still poorly elucidated. It is known that nucleotide receptors-mediated signaling plays a central role in modulating osteoblasts growth in response to mechanical stress. By using osteoblast-like cell lines (i.e., HOBIT, MG-63, ROS P2Y), which express P2Y receptors, we found that the treatment with risedronate promotes non-lytic ATP release leading to activation of ERKs through the involvement of P2Y receptors triggering. A major role in this signal transduction pathway seems to be the involvement of P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptors, since the stimulatory effect of risedronate on ERKs is not appreciable in ROS 17/2.8 cells, which do not express these two receptors. Differential proteomics analysis identified Hsp90 upregulation as a result of risedronate effect on HOBIT and MG-63 cells. The stimulatory effect is dependent on ERKs activation involving nucleotide receptors triggering and leads to increased proliferation of osteoblast-like cells. In fact, functional inactivation of Hsp90 by the specific inhibitor 17-AAG prevents the bisphosphonate-induced mitogenic effects in osteoblasts. These findings show that bisphosphonates, by inducing ATP release, may also act through nucleotide receptors signaling leading to ERKs activation and may exert their mitogenic role on osteoblasts through the involvement of Hsp90.

Vesicular release of ATP at central synapses

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a fast excitatory transmitter in several regions of the central nervous system (CNS) including the medial habenula, dorsal horn, locus coeruleus, hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. Postsynaptic actions of ATP are mediated through an extended family of P2X receptors, widely expressed throughout the CNS. ATP is released via several pathways, including exocytosis from presynaptic terminals and diffusion through large transmembrane pores (e.g., hemichannels, P2X(7) receptors, or volume-sensitive chloride channels) expressed in astroglial membranes. In presynaptic terminals, ATP is accumulated and stored in the synaptic vesicles. In different presynaptic terminals, these vesicles may contain ATP only or ATP and another neurotransmitter [e.g., gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) or glutamate]; in the latter case, two transmitters can be coreleased. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of vesicular release of ATP in the CNS and present our own data, which indicate that in central neuronal terminals, ATP is primarily stored and released from distinct pool of vesicles; the release of ATP is not synchronized either with GABA or with glutamate.