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Illes P, Di Virgilio F, Tang Y. Editorial - Purinergic signalling: 50 years. Neuropharmacology 2024; 245:109826. [PMID: 38135034 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The function of almost all cells of the human and animal body is synchronized by purinergic/pyrimidinergic extracellular signalling molecules. This network activity is especially efficient in the central and peripheral nervous systems, driven by secretion of the (co)transmitter ATP (including its enzymatic degradation products ADP, AMP, and adenosine), as well as ATP/UTP (including UDP) released from the cytoplasm by either Ca2+-dependent vesicular exocytosis or by non-exocytotic pathways via a family of diverse channels. It must be pointed out that neural cells (neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) are equal sources of nucleotides/nucleosides, as non-neural cells (e.g. the endothelium of small blood vessels). A whole plethora of purinergic receptors responding to the endogenously released purine and pyrimidine nucleotides as well as to adenosine, are instrumental in providing the structural basis for cell stimulation. The present collection of papers summarizes current knowledge and recent findings in the medicinal chemistry, electrophysiology, neuropharmacology and neurobiology of purinergic transmission. Accruing evidence supports the key role of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and in neuropsychiatric diseases, thus paving the way for pharmacological intervention thanks to the development of novel brain-permeant, drug-like, purinergic ligands. We are confident that these therapies will open a new avenue for the treatment of so far uncurable diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu, China; Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu, China; Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Hu Z, Luo Y, Zhu J, Jiang D, Luo Z, Wu L, Li J, Peng S, Hu J. Role of the P2 × 7 receptor in neurodegenerative diseases and its pharmacological properties. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:225. [PMID: 38093352 PMCID: PMC10720200 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01161-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases seriously affect patients' physical and mental health, reduce their quality of life, and impose a heavy burden on society. However, their treatment remains challenging. Therefore, exploring factors potentially related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and improving their diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed. Recent studies have shown that P2 × 7R plays a crucial role in regulating neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. P2 × 7R is an adenosine 5'-triphosphate ligand-gated cation channel receptor present in most tissues of the human body. An increase in P2 × 7R levels can affect the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and the inhibition of P2 × 7R can alleviate neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we comprehensively describe the biological characteristics (structure, distribution, and function) of this gene, focusing on its potential association with neurodegenerative diseases, and we discuss the pharmacological effects of drugs (P2 × 7R inhibitors) used to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Hu
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yifan Luo
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jinxi Zhu
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Danling Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhenzhong Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Shengliang Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Nuñez-Rios JD, Ulrich H, Díaz-Muñoz M, Lameu C, Vázquez-Cuevas FG. Purinergic system in cancer stem cells. Purinergic Signal 2023:10.1007/s11302-023-09976-5. [PMID: 37966629 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-023-09976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports the idea that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are those with the capacity to initiate tumors, generate phenotypical diversity, sustain growth, confer drug resistance, and orchestrate the spread of tumor cells. It is still controversial whether CSCs originate from normal stem cells residing in the tissue or cancer cells from the tumor bulk that have dedifferentiated to acquire stem-like characteristics. Although CSCs have been pointed out as key drivers in cancer, knowledge regarding their physiology is still blurry; thus, research focusing on CSCs is essential to designing novel and more effective therapeutics. The purinergic system has emerged as an important autocrine-paracrine messenger system with a prominent role at multiple levels of the tumor microenvironment, where it regulates cellular aspects of the tumors themselves and the stromal and immune systems. Recent findings have shown that purinergic signaling also participates in regulating the CSC phenotype. Here, we discuss updated information regarding CSCs in the purinergic system and present evidence supporting the idea that elements of the purinergic system expressed by this subpopulation of the tumor represent attractive pharmacological targets for proposing innovative anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Nuñez-Rios
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México
| | - H Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Díaz-Muñoz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México
| | - C Lameu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F G Vázquez-Cuevas
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Boulevard Juriquilla #3001, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, CP 76230, México.
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Illes P, Ulrich H, Chen JF, Tang Y. Purinergic receptors in cognitive disturbances. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106229. [PMID: 37453562 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors (Rs) of the ATP/ADP, UTP/UDP (P2X, P2Y) and adenosine (A1, A2A)-sensitive classes broadly interfere with cognitive processes both under quasi normal and disease conditions. During neurodegenerative illnesses, high concentrations of ATP are released from the damaged neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the brain; then, this ATP is enzymatically degraded to adenosine. Thus, the primary injury in neurodegenerative diseases appears to be caused by various protein aggregates on which a superimposed damage mediated by especially P2X7 and A2AR activation develops; this can be efficiently prevented by small molecular antagonists in animal models of the above diseases, or are mitigated in the respective knockout mice. Dementia is a leading symptom in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and accompanies Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), especially in the advanced states of these illnesses. Animal experimentation suggests that P2X7 and A2ARs are also involved in a number of psychiatric diseases, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive compulsive behavior, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In conclusion, small molecular antagonists of purinergic receptors are expected to supply us in the future with pharmaceuticals which are able to combat in a range of neurological/psychiatric diseases the accompanying cognitive deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Illes
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditonal Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; International Joint Research Center for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
| | - Henning Ulrich
- International Joint Research Center for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry Institute, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Whenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yong Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditonal Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; International Joint Research Center for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
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Babiec L, Wilkaniec A, Matuszewska M, Pałasz E, Cieślik M, Adamczyk A. Alterations of Purinergic Receptors Levels and Their Involvement in the Glial Cell Morphology in a Pre-Clinical Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1088. [PMID: 37509018 PMCID: PMC10377192 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent data suggest that defects in purinergic signalling are a common denominator of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), though nothing is known about whether the disorder-related imbalance occurs at the receptor level. In this study, we investigated whether prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) induces changes in purinergic receptor expression in adolescence and whether it corresponds to glial cell activation. Pregnant dams were subjected to an intraperitoneal injection of VPA at embryonic day 12.5. In the hippocampi of adolescent male VPA offspring, we observed an increase in the level of P2X1, with concomitant decreases in P2X7 and P2Y1 receptors. In contrast, in the cortex, the level of P2X1 was significantly reduced. Also, significant increases in cortical P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors were detected. Additionally, we observed profound alterations in microglial cell numbers and morphology in the cortex of VPA animals, leading to the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The changes in glial cells were partially reduced via a single administration of a non-selective P2 receptor antagonist. These studies show the involvement of purinergic signalling imbalance in the modulation of brain inflammatory response induced via prenatal VPA exposure and may indicate that purinergic receptors are a novel target for pharmacological intervention in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Babiec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wilkaniec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Matuszewska
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pałasz
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Ahn YH, Tang Y, Illes P. The neuroinflammatory astrocytic P2X7 receptor: Alzheimer's disease, ischemic brain injury, and epileptic state. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:763-778. [PMID: 37712394 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2258281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Astrocytes have previously been considered as cells supporting neuronal functions, but they are now recognized as active players in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Astrocytes can communicate with other CNS cells, i.e. through the gliotransmitter ATP and P2X7 receptors (Rs). AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss how the P2X7R initiates the release of gliotransmitters and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, thereby establishing a dialog between astrocytes and neurons and, in addition, causing neuroinflammation. In astrocytes, dysregulation of P2X7Rs has been associated with neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as the consequences of cerebral ischemic injury and status epilepticus (SE). EXPERT OPINION Although all CNS cells are possible sources of ATP release, the targets of this ATP are primarily at microglial cells. However, astrocytes also contain ATP-sensitive P2X7Rs and have in addition the peculiar property over microglia to continuously interact with neurons via not only inflammatory mediators but also gliotransmitters, such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), glutamate, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), and D-serine. Cellular damage arising during AD, cerebral ischemia, and SE via P2X7R activation is superimposed upon the original disease, and their prevention by blood-brain barrier permeable pharmacological antagonists is a valid therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ha Ahn
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Chen X, Wang Q, Yang J, Zhang L, Liu TT, Liu J, Deng BL, Liu J. Diagnostic and therapeutic value of P2Y12R in epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1179028. [PMID: 37234715 PMCID: PMC10206044 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1179028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There lacks biomarkers in current epilepsy diagnosis, and epilepsy is thus exposed to inadequate treatment, making it necessarily important to conduct search on new biomarkers and drug targets. The P2Y12 receptor is primarily expressed on microglia in the central nervous system, and acts as intrinsic immune cells in the central nervous system mediating neuroinflammation. In previous studies, P2Y12R in epilepsy has been found capable of controlling neuroinflammation and regulating neurogenesis as well as immature neuronal projections, and its expression is altered. P2Y12R is involved in microglia inhibition of neuronal activity and timely termination of seizures in acute seizures. In status epilepticus, the failure of P2Y12R in the process of "brake buffering" may not terminate the neuronal hyperexcitability timely. In chronic epilepsy, neuroinflammation causes seizures, which can in turn induce neuroinflammation, while on the other hand, neuroinflammation leads to neurogenesis, thereby causing abnormal neuronal discharges that give rise to seizures. In this case, targeting P2Y12R may be a novel strategy for the treatment of epilepsy. The detection of P2Y12R and its expression changes can contribute to the diagnosis of epilepsy. Meanwhile, the P2Y12R single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with epilepsy susceptibility and endowed with the potential to individualize epilepsy diagnosis. To this end, functions of P2Y12R in the central nervous system were hereby reviewed, the effects of P2Y12R in epilepsy were explored, and the potential of P2Y12R in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy was further demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Neurology, Chengdu Fourth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Qinglongchang Ward, Chengdu Sixth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin-Lu Deng
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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