PKC-dependent ERK phosphorylation is essential for P2X7 receptor-mediated neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells.

ABSTRACT: Purinergic receptors have been shown to be involved in neuronal development, but the functions of specific subtypes of P2 receptors during neuronal development remain elusive. In this study we investigate the distribution of P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) in the embryonic rat brain using in situ hybridization. At E15.5, P2X7R mRNA was observed in the ventricular zone and subventricular zone, and colocalized with nestin, indicating that P2X7R might be expressed in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). P2X7R mRNA was also detected in the subgranular zone and dentate gyrus of the E18.5 and P4 brain. To investigate the roles of P2X7R and elucidate its mechanism, we established NPC cultures from the E15.5 rat brain. Stimulation of P2X7Rs induced Ca(2+) influx, inhibited proliferation, altered cell cycle pro

SUBMITTER: Tsao HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3763436 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature