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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

P2X4 receptors interact with both P2X2 and P2X7 receptors in the form of homotrimers

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Author(s):
Antonio, L. S. [1, 2] ; Stewart, A. P. [1] ; Xu, X. J. [1] ; Varanda, W. A. [2] ; Murrell-Lagnado, R. D. [1] ; Edwardson, J. M. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Cambridge, Dept Pharmacol, Cambridge CB2 1PD - England
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: British Journal of Pharmacology; v. 163, n. 5, p. 1069-1077, JUL 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 31
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The P2X receptor family consists of seven subunit types - P2X1-P2X7. All but P2X6 are able to assemble as homotrimers. In addition, various subunit permutations have been reported to form heterotrimers. Evidence for heterotrimer formation includes co-localization, co-immunoprecipitation and the generation of receptors with novel functional properties; however, direct structural evidence for heteromer formation, such as chemical cross-linking and single-molecule imaging, is available in only a few cases. Here we examined the nature of the interaction between two pairs of subunits - P2X2 and P2X4, and P2X4 and P2X7. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used several experimental approaches, including in situ proximity ligation, co-immunoprecipitation, co-isolation on affinity beads, chemical cross-linking and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. KEY RESULTS Both pairs of subunits co-localize upon co-transfection, interact intimately within cells, and can be co-immunoprecipitated and co-isolated from cell extracts. Despite this, chemical cross-linking failed to show evidence for heteromer formation. AFM imaging of isolated receptors showed that all three subunits had the propensity to form receptor dimers. This self-association is likely to account for the observed close interaction between the subunit pairs, in the absence of true heteromer formation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that both pairs of receptors interact in the form of distinct homomers. We urge caution in the interpretation of biochemical evidence indicating heteromer formation in other cases. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 06/50954-7 - Ionic currents and receptors in the physiology of excitable and non-excitable cells
Grantee:Wamberto Antonio Varanda
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants