Expression and function of the P2X7 receptor in human osteoblasts: The role of NFATc1 transcription factor. Issue 1 (24th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergamin, Leticia Scussel; Penolazzi, Letizia; Lambertini, Elisabetta; Falzoni, Simonetta; Sarti, Alba Clara; Molle, Caroline M.; Gendron, Fernand‐Pierre; De Bonis, Pasquale; Di Virgilio, Francesco; Piva, Roberta
• Is Part Of: Journal of cellular physiology. Volume 236:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 641
• Page End: 652
• Publication Date: 2020-06-24
• Subjects: bone mineralization -- gene expression regulation -- human osteoblasts -- NFATc1 -- P2X7 receptor -- purinergic signaling; Physiology -- Periodicals; Cell physiology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9541

Abstract

Abstract: Bone mineralization is an orchestrated process by which mineral crystals are deposited by osteoblasts; however, the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The presence of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in immature and mature bone cells is well established, but contrasting evidence on its role in osteogenic differentiation and deposition of calcified bone matrix remains. To clarify these controversies in the present study, we investigated P2X7R participation in bone maturation. We demonstrated that the P2X7R is expressed and functional in human primary osteoblasts, and identified in the P2RX7 promoter several binding sites for transcription factors involved in bone mineralization. Of particular interest was the finding that P2X7R expression is enhanced by nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) overexpression, and accordingly, NFATc1 is recruited at the P2RX7 gene promoter in SaOS2 osteoblastic‐like cells. In conclusion, our data provide further insights into the regulation of P2X7R expression and support the development of drugs targeting this receptor for the therapy of bone diseases. Abstract : P2X7R participates in osteoblast activity positively affecting the deposition of mineral matrix. P2X7R expression is enhanced by the nuclear factor of activated T cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) overexpression, and, accordingly, NFATc1 is recruited at the P2RX7 gene promoter in osteoblastic‐like cells.