Esmerilda G. Delicado

Subcellular Distribution Studies of Diadenosine Polyphosphates—Ap4A and Ap5A—in Bovine Adrenal Medulla: Presence in Chromaffin Granules

Abstract: Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) have been identified in bovine adrenal medullary tissue using an HPLC method. The values obtained were 0.1 ± 0.05 μmol/g of tissue for both compounds. The subcellular fraction where Ap4A and Ap5A were present in the highest concentration was chromaffin granules: 32 nmol/mg of protein for both compounds (∼6 mM intragranularly). This value was 30 times higher than in the cytosolic fraction. Enzymatic degradation of Ap4A and Ap5A, isolated from chromaffin granules, with phosphodiesterase produces AMP as the final product. The Ap4A and Ap5A obtained from this tissue were potent inhibitors of adenosine kinase. Their Ki values relative to adenosine were 0.3 and 2 μM for Ap4A and Ap5A, respectively. The cytosolic fraction also contains enzymatic activities that degrade Ap4A as well as Ap5A. These activities were measured by an HPLC method; the observed Km values were 10.5 ± 0.5 and 13 ± 1 μM for Ap4A and Ap5A, respectively.

Potentiation of ATP calcium responses by A2B receptor stimulation and other signals coupled to Gs proteins in type‐1 cerebellar astrocytes

We have studied the interaction between P1 and P2 purinoceptors in purified type‐1 astrocyte cultures from postnatal days 7–8 rat cerebella using single cell microfluorimetry with fura‐2. The stimulation of astrocytes with ATP elicits rapid [Ca2+]i transients showing an EC50 value of 7.9 ± 0.3 μM. Costimulation of type‐1 astrocytes with adenosine and ineffective ATP concentrations (0.1 or 1 μM) evoked [Ca2+]i transients that correspond to 60% of the maximal ATP response. NECA (5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) was the only agonist that mimicked the adenosine effect and showed an EC50 value of 0.17 ± 0.01 μM. This value was identical to that obtained for the cAMP production stimulation, indicating that A2B receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase activation were involved. The presence of A2B adenosine receptors was also confirmed by immocytochemistry experiments. When astrocytes were costimulated with isoproterenol and ineffective ATP concentrations similar [Ca2+]i transients were observed. The treatment of astrocytes with cholera toxin potentiated ATP calcium signals, lowering the EC50 value for ATP to 1.5 ± 0.2 μM. However, the pretreatment of cells with forskolin or a permeable cAMP analogue had no effect on ATP calcium responses. These results indicated that the potentiation mechanism was elicited before the adenylate cyclase activation. We could conclude that in type‐1 astrocytes, the activation of A2B adenosine receptors or other signals positively coupled to adenylate cyclase stimulation strongly potentiate metabotropic calcium responses to ATP. The potentiation was parallel but independent on cAMP accumulation suggesting the involvement of βγ subunits released after Gs stimulation. GLIA26:119–128, 1999.

Coexpression of Several Types of Metabotropic Nucleotide Receptors in Single Cerebellar Astrocytes

Abstract: We have examined the expression of mRNA for several P2Y nucleotide receptors by northern blot analysis in purified type 1 cerebellar astrocyte cultures. These results suggest that different P2Y subtypes could be responsible for ATP metabotropic calcium responses in single type 1 astrocytes. To identify these subtypes we have studied the pharmacological profile of ATP calcium responses using fura‐2 microfluorimetry. All tested astrocytes responded to ATP and UTP stimulations evoking similar calcium transients. Most astrocytes also responded to 2‐methylthioATP and ADP challenges. The agonist potency order was 2‐methylthioATP > ADP > ATP = UTP. Cross‐desensitization experiments carried out with ATP, UTP, and 2‐methylthioATP showed that 2‐methylthioATP and UTP interact with different receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y2 or P2Y4. In a subpopulation of type 1 astrocytes, ATP prestimulation did not block UTP responses, and UDP elicited clear intracellular Ca2+ concentration responses at very low concentrations. 2‐MethylthioATP and UTP calcium responses exhibited different sensitivity to pertussis toxin and different inhibition patterns in response to P2 antagonists. The P2Y1‐specific antagonist N6‐methyl‐2′‐deoxyadenosine 3′,5′‐bisphosphate (MRS 2179) specifically blocked the 2‐methylthio‐ATP responses. We can conclude that all single astrocytes coexpressed at least two types of P2Y metabotropic receptors: P2Y1 and either P2Y2 or P2Y4 receptors. Moreover, 30‐40% of astrocytes also coexpressed specific pyrimidine receptors of the P2Y6 subtype, highly selective for UDP coupled to pertussis‐toxin insensitive G protein.

P2X7 and P2Y13 purinergic receptors mediate intracellular calcium responses to BzATP in rat cerebellar astrocytes.

Previous work has established the presence of functional P2X7 subunits in rat cerebellar astrocytes, which after stimulation with 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) evoked morphological changes that were not reproduced by any other nucleotide. To further characterize the receptor(s) and signaling mechanisms involved in the action of BzATP, we have employed fura‐2 microfluorometry and the patch‐clamp technique. BzATP elicited intracellular calcium responses that typically exhibited two components: the first one was transient and metabotropic in nature – sensitive to phospholipase C inhibition and pertussis toxin treatment –, whereas the second one was sustained and depended on the presence of extracellular calcium. The ionotropic nature of this latter component was corroborated by measurements of Mn2+ entry and macroscopic non‐selective cation currents evoked by either BzATP (100 μM) or ATP (1 mM). The two components of the calcium response to BzATP differed in their pharmacological sensitivity. The metabotropic component was partially sensitive to pyridoxalphosphate‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azo‐(‐2‐chloro‐5‐nitrophenyl)‐2,4‐disulfonate, a selective antagonist of P2Y13 receptors, while the ionotropic component was modulated by external magnesium and markedly reduced by brilliant blue G and 3‐(5‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)methyl pyridine (A438079), thus implying the involvement of P2X7 purinergic receptors. It is concluded that P2Y13 and P2X7 purinergic receptors are functionally expressed in rat cerebellar astrocytes and mediate the increase in intracellular calcium elicited by BzATP in these cells.

P2X7, NMDA and BDNF receptors converge on GSK3 phosphorylation and cooperate to promote survival in cerebellar granule neurons

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is a key player in the regulation of neuronal survival. Herein, we report evidence of an interaction between P2X7 receptors with NMDA and BDNF receptors at the level of GSK3 signalling and neuroprotection. The activation of these receptors in granule neurons led to a sustained pattern of GSK3 phosphorylation that was mainly PKC-dependent. BDNF was the most potent at inducing GSK3 phosphorylation, which was also dependent on PI3K. The P2X7 agonist, BzATP, exhibited additive effects with both NMDA and BDNF to rescue granule neurons from cell death induced by PI3K inhibition. This survival effect was mediated by the PKC-dependent GSK3 pathway. In addition, ERK1/2 proteins were also involved in BDNF protective effect. These results show the function of ATP in amplifying neuroprotective actions of glutamate and neurotrophins, and support the role of GSK3 as an important convergence point for these survival promoting factors in granule neurons.

Dinucleoside polyphosphates and their interaction with other nucleotide signaling pathways

Dinucleoside polyphosphates or ApnA are a family of dinucleotides formed by two adenosines joined by a variable number of phosphates. Ap4A, Ap5A, and Ap6A are stored together with other neurotransmitters into secretory vesicles and are co-released to the extracellular medium upon stimulation. These compounds can interact extracellularly with some ATP receptors, both metabotropic (P2Y) and ionotropic (P2X). However, specific receptors for these substances, other than ATP receptors, have been described in presynaptic terminals form rat midbrain. These specific dinucleotide receptors are of ionotropic nature and their activation induces calcium entry into the terminals and the subsequent neurotransmitter release. Calcium signals that cannot be attributable to the interaction of ApnA with ATP receptors have also been described in cerebellar synaptosomes and granule cell neurons in culture, where Ap5A induces CaMKII activation. In addition, cerebellar astrocytes express a specific Ap5A receptor coupled to ERK activation. Ap5A engaged to MAPK cascade by a mechanism that was insensitive to pertussis toxin and required the involvement of src and ras proteins. Diadenosine polyphosphates, acting on their specific receptors and/or ATP receptors, can also interact with other neurotransmitter systems. This broad range of actions and interactions open a promising perspective for some relevant physiological roles for the dinucleotides. However, the physiological significance of these compounds in the CNS is still to be determined.

Effect of P2Y agonists on adenosine transport in cultured chromaffin cells.

Abstract: Adenosine transport in cultured chromaffin cells was inhibited by purinergic P2y‐receptor agonists without significant changes in the affinity constant, the values being between 1 ± 0.4 and 1.6 ± 0.6 μM. The Vmax parameter was modified significantly, being 40 ± 1.0, 26 ± 5.0, 32 ± 3.0, and 22 ± 4.7 pmol/106 cells/min for control, adenosine‐5′‐O‐(2‐thiodiphosphate), 5′‐adenylylimidodiphosphate, and P1,P4‐di(adenosine‐5′‐) tetraphosphate (Ap4A) (100 μM for every effector), respectively. Ap4A, a physiological ligand for P2y receptors in chromaffin cells, showed the highest inhibitory effect (45%). This transport inhibition is explained by an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Experiments of [Ca2+]i measurement with the fura‐2 technique showed that P2y agonists, as well as bradykinin, were able to increase [Ca2+]i, this effect being independent of the presence of extracellular Ca2+. The peptide bradykinin, determined to be coupled to phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and internal Ca2+ mobilization in chromaffin cells, exhibited a behavior similar to that of P2y agonists in adenosine transport inhibition (39%). P2y agonists and bradykinin increased PKC activity associated with the membrane fraction (about 50% increase in particulate PKC activity with respect to controls). The present studies suggest that adenosine transport is regulated by P2y‐purinergic receptors mediated via Ca2+ mobilization and PKC activation.

P2X7 nucleotide receptor is coupled to GSK-3 inhibition and neuroprotection in cerebellar granule neurons.

In this study we report the coupling of nucleotide receptors to GSK-3 signalling, a relevant survival pathway in cerebellar granule neurons. P2X7 agonist BzATP induced a 3–4-fold increase in GSK-3 phosphorylation, which is reported to be associated with the catalytic activity inhibition. This effect was dependent on extracellular calcium and PKC, and independent of PI3-K (phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase)/Akt, the main survival route of neurotrophins. BzATP also prevented the apoptosis of granule neurons induced by the pharmacological inhibition of the PI3-K signalling. Both effects, BzATP-mediated GSK-3 phosphorylation and neuroprotection, were abolished by P2X7 receptor antagonists, BBG, PPADS and A-438079. We found that BzATP prevented the progressive GSK-3 dephosphorylation and caspase-3 activation occurring under conditions of sustained PI3-K inhibition. These results reveal that P2X7 receptor activation could provide a relevant survival route alternative to classical neurotrophic factors.

P2Y purinergic regulation of the glycine neurotransmitter transporters

The sodium- and chloride-coupled glycine neurotransmitter transporters (GLYTs) control the availability of glycine at glycine-mediated synapses. The mainly glial GLYT1 is the key regulator of the glycine levels in glycinergic and glutamatergic pathways, whereas the neuronal GLYT2 is involved in the recycling of synaptic glycine from the inhibitory synaptic cleft. In this study, we report that stimulation of P2Y purinergic receptors with 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-diphosphate in rat brainstem/spinal cord primary neuronal cultures and adult rat synaptosomes leads to the inhibition of GLYT2 and the stimulation of GLYT1 by a paracrine regulation. These effects are mainly mediated by the ADP-preferring subtypes P2Y1 and P2Y13 because the effects are partially reversed by the specific antagonists N6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine-3′,5′-bisphosphate and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-6-azo(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)-2,4-disulfonate and are totally blocked by suramin. P2Y12 receptor is additionally involved in GLYT1 stimulation. Using pharmacological approaches and siRNA-mediated protein knockdown methodology, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of GLYT regulation. Modulation takes place through a signaling cascade involving phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, protein kinase C stimulation, nitric oxide formation, cyclic guanosine monophosphate production, and protein kinase G-I (PKG-I) activation. GLYT1 and GLYT2 are differentially sensitive to NO/cGMP/PKG-I both in brain-derived preparations and in heterologous systems expressing the recombinant transporters and P2Y1 receptor. Sensitivity to 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-diphosphate by GLYT1 and GLYT2 was abolished by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of nitric-oxide synthase. Our data may help define the role of GLYTs in nociception and pain sensitization.

The Specificity Protein Factor Sp1 Mediates Transcriptional Regulation of P2X7 Receptors in the Nervous System

Background: Purinergic P2X7 receptors regulate proliferation, differentiation, and cell death in both the CNS and non-CNS tissues. Results: Sp1 factor activates the P2rx7 promoter. This regulation is abolished by SP1 binding sites mutation, Sp1 knockdown, and mithramycin A treatment. Conclusion: Sp1 regulates the expression of P2X7 receptor. Significance: Learning how P2X7 expression is controlled is crucial for understanding P2X7-mediated brain processes in health and disease. P2X7 receptors are involved not only in physiological functions but also in pathological brain processes. Although an increasing number of findings indicate that altered receptor expression has a causative role in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, little is known about how expression of P2rx7 gene is controlled. Here we reported the first molecular and functional evidence that Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of P2X7 receptor. We delimited a minimal region in the murine P2rx7 promoter containing four SP1 sites, two of them being highly conserved in mammals. The functionality of these SP1 sites was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and Sp1 overexpression/down-regulation in neuroblastoma cells. Inhibition of Sp1-mediated transcriptional activation by mithramycin A reduced endogenous P2X7 receptor levels in primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes. Using P2rx7-EGFP transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of P2rx7 promoter, we found a high correlation between reporter expression and Sp1 levels in the brain, demonstrating that Sp1 is a key element in the transcriptional regulation of P2X7 receptor in the nervous system. Finally, we found that Sp1 mediates P2X7 receptor up-regulation in neuroblastoma cells cultured in the absence of serum, a condition that enhances chromatin accessibility and facilitates the exposure of SP1 binding sites.