P2 receptors in macrophage fusion and osteoclast formation.
Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage fuse to form multinucleated giant cells and osteoclasts. Several lines of evidence suggest that P2 receptors, in particular P2X₇, are involved in this process, although P2X₇ is not absolutely required for fusion because P2X₇-null mice form multinucleated osteoclasts. Extracellular ATP may be an important regulator of macrophage fusion.
Steinberg
Thomas H
TH
Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA, steinber@id.wustl.edu.
Hiken
Jeffrey F
JF