In:
eLife, eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd, Vol. 7 ( 2018-08-03)
Abstract:
The human body relies on a molecule called ATP as an energy source and as a messenger. When cells die, for example if they are damaged or because of inflammation, they release large amounts of ATP into their environment. Their neighbors can detect the outpouring of ATP through specific receptors, the proteins that sit at the cell’s surface and can bind external agents. Scientists believe that one of these ATP-binding receptors, P2X7, responds to high levels of ATP by triggering a cascade of reactions that results in inflammation and cell death. P2X7 also seems to play a role in several brain diseases such as epilepsia and Alzheimer’s, but the exact mechanisms are not known. In particular, how this receptor is involved in the death of neurons is unclear, and researchers still debate whether P2X7 is present in neurons and in other types of brain cells. To answer this, Kaczmarek-Hájek, Zhang, Kopp et al. created genetically modified mice in which the P2X7 receptors carry a fluorescent dye. Powerful microscopes can pick up the light signal from the dye and help to reveal which cells have the receptors. These experiments show that neurons do not carry the protein; instead, P2X7 is present in certain brain cells that keep the neurons healthy. For example, it is found in the immune cells that ‘clean up’ the organ, and the cells that support and insulate neurons. Kaczmarek-Hájek et al. further provide preliminary data suggesting that, under certain conditions, if too many P2X7 receptors are present in these cells neuronal damage might be increased. It is therefore possible that the brain cells that carry P2X7 indirectly contribute to the death of neurons when large amounts of ATP are released. The genetically engineered mouse designed for the experiments could be used in further studies to dissect the role that P2X7 plays in diseases of the nervous system. In particular, this mouse model might help to understand whether the receptor could become a drug target for neurodegenerative conditions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2050-084X
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.001
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.002
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.003
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.004
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.005
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.006
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.007
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.008
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.009
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.010
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.011
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.012
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.013
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.014
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.015
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.016
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.017
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.018
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.019
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.020
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.021
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.022
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.023
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.024
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.025
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.026
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.027
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.029
DOI:
10.7554/eLife.36217.030
Language:
English
Publisher:
eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2687154-3