P2X7Rs are involved in cell death, growth and cellular signaling in primary human osteoblasts.

The ionotropic ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions including bone metabolism. Several studies on osteoblasts from rodents and human osteoblast-like cell lines have addressed the expression and function of P2X7R on these bone-forming cells however; its role in human primary osteoblasts has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of the P2X7R in bone marrow-derived stromal cells and in primary human trabecular osteoblasts and to determine the function in bone formation and cell signaling.

[P2 purinergic receptors: regulation of bone metabolism and therapeutic potential?].

Osteoporosis is a disabling disease, and despite the progress in treating this disease in recent years, it is still necessary to develop new treatment options. A potential target for new pharmacological agents with the ability to regulate bone metabolism is the purinergic receptors, also called P2 receptors. Nucleotides activate these receptors, and recent studies have shown a possible role for these in bone turnover and metabolism.