P2Y6 nucleotide receptors activate NF-kappaB and increase survival of osteoclasts.

Nucleotides, released from cells during inflammation and by mechanical stimulation, act through the P2 family of nucleotide receptors. Previous studies have demonstrated the expression of P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors in osteoclasts. The aim of this study was to determine whether osteoclast P2Y receptors signal through NF-kappaB, a key transcription factor regulating osteoclastogenesis.

Extracellular nucleotides act through P2X7 receptors to activate NF-kappaB in osteoclasts.

Unlabelled: Nucleotides, released in response to mechanical and other stimuli, act on P2 receptors in osteoclasts and other cell types. In vitro studies of osteoclasts from rabbits and P2X7 receptor-deficient mice revealed that P2X7 receptors couple to activation of the key transcription factor NF-kappaB.

Introduction: Osteoclasts express functional P2X4 and P2X7 receptors, which are ATP-gated cation channels.