A novel role for P2X7 receptor signalling in the survival of mouse embryonic stem cells

► Expression of functional ATP-gated P2X7 receptors in mouse embryonic stem cells. ► Multiple P2X7 variants detected by RT-PCR. ► Stem cell P2X7 couples to ion channel opening and a dye uptake pathway. ► P2X7 receptor can function as either a pro-survival or cytotoxic receptor.