Activation of Transcription Factors by Extracellular Nucleotides in Immune and Related Cell Types

Authors

Souzan Armstrong, The University of Western Ontario
Jasminka Korcok, The University of Western Ontario
Stephen M. Sims, The University of Western Ontario
S. Jeffrey Dixon, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2007

Journal

Purinergic Signal

Volume

3

Issue

1-2

First Page

59

Last Page

69

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11302-006-9037-8

Abstract

Extracellular nucleotides, acting through P2 receptors, can regulate gene expression via intracellular signaling pathways that control the activity of transcription factors. Relatively little is known about the activation of transcription factors by nucleotides in immune cells. The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors is critical for many immune and inflammatory responses. Nucleotides released from damaged or stressed cells can act alone through certain P2 receptors to alter NF-kappaB activity or they can enhance responses induced by pathogen-associated molecules such as LPS. Nucleotides have also been shown to regulate the activity of other transcription factors (AP-1, NFAT, CREB and STAT) in immune and related cell types. Here, we provide an overview of transcription factors shown to be activated by nucleotides in immune cells, and describe what is known about their mechanisms of activation and potential functions. Furthermore, we propose areas for future work in this new and expanding field.