Expression and function of the P2X7 receptor in rat C6 glioma cells

Our results demonstrate the first findings of expression and function of the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in rat C6 glioma cells. P2X7R mRNA and protein were present in unstimulated C6 cells and were up-regulated by cell exposure to the P2X7R agonist, 2′,3′-(benzoyl-4-benzoyl)-ATP (BzATP). Activation of P2X7R in C6 in response to BzATP led to increased mobilization of intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i and formation of large pores. Chronic exposure of C6 cells to BzATP enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including MCP-1, IL-8 and VEGF. In a scratch-wound migration assay, the P2X7R was shown to regulate cell mobility. The overall results suggest that P2X7R activation in C6 is linked with increased pro-inflammatory factors and tumor cell migration.