P2RX7
Description
The P2RX7 (purinergic receptor P2X 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
P2X7, encoded by the P2RX7 gene, belongs to the purinoceptor family for ATP. It is found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, microglia, macrophages, uterine endometrium, and retina. P2X7 functions as a pattern recognition receptor for extracellular ATP-mediated apoptotic cell death, receptor trafficking, mast cell degranulation, and inflammation. It induces the NLRP3 inflammasome in myeloid cells and leads to interleukin-1beta release. P2X7 forms homomeric receptors with a typical P2X receptor structure. It is a ligand-gated cation channel that opens in response to ATP binding, causing cell depolarization. P2X7 requires higher levels of ATP than other P2X receptors, but its response can be potentiated by reducing the concentration of divalent cations like calcium or magnesium. Continued binding increases permeability to N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG+) and leads to an increase in current amplitude. P2X7 does not readily desensitize.
P2X7 is a receptor for ATP that acts as a ligand-gated ion channel, mediating ATP-dependent lysis of macrophages through the formation of membrane pores permeable to large molecules. It is involved in fast synaptic transmission and ATP-mediated lysis of antigen-presenting cells. In the absence of ATP, P2X7 acts as a scavenger receptor, recognizing and engulfing apoptotic cells.
P2RX7 is also known as P2X7.
Associated Diseases
- schizophrenia
- early-onset non-syndromic cataract
- major depressive disorder
- cancer
- isolated ectopia lentis
- hereditary hyperferritinemia with congenital cataracts
- COVID-19
