Increased proliferation rate of lymphoid cells transfected with the P2X(7) ATP receptor.
Human leukocytes can express the P2X(7) purinergic receptor, an ionic channel gated by extracellular ATP, for which the physiological role is only partially understood. Transfection of P2X(7) cDNA into lymphoid cells that lack this receptor sustains their proliferation in serum-free medium. Increased proliferation of serum-starved P2X(7) transfectants is abolished by the P2X(7) receptor blocker oxidized ATP or by the ATP hydrolase apyrase. Both wild type and P2X(7)-transfected lymphoid cells release large amounts of ATP into the culture medium. These data suggest the operation of an ATP-based autocrine/paracrine loop that supports lymphoid cell growth in the absence of serum-derived growth factors.
Baricordi
O R
OR
Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, I-44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Melchiorri
L
L
Adinolfi
E
E
Falzoni
S
S
Chiozzi
P
P
Buell
G
G
Di Virgilio
F
F
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001483:Base Sequence; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics*; D017931:DNA Primers; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000235:genetics*; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
D017931:DNA Primers; C546468:P2RX7 protein, human; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate