The P2X7 receptor sustains the growth of human neuroblastoma cells through a substance P-dependent mechanism

P2X7 is a receptor for extracellular nucleotides expressed by different normal cell types. P2X7 triggering may result in stimulation of cell proliferation or induction of apoptosis depending on the level of activation. P2X7 expression and function in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been shown to correlate with disease severity. Here, we have asked the question of whether P2X7 is expressed and functional in neuroblastoma, a pediatric tumor of neuroectodermal origin. P2X7 was detected both in primary neuroblastoma tumors and in neuroblastoma cell lines. In the latter cells, P2X7 stimulation by ATP was found to trigger (a) increased intracellular calcium fluxes, (b) plasma membrane depolarization, and (c) formation of a nonselective plasma membrane permeable pore. In contrast to the usual response typically observed in the majority of cell types, P2X7 in vitro stimulation did not induce caspase-3 activation or apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells but rather supported their proliferation. Growth stimulation was partially due to substance P release from nucleotide-activated neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, neuroblastoma cells seem to have molded P2X7 function to their advantage in two ways (i.e., by silencing P2X7 proapoptotic activity and by coupling P2X7 stimulation to release of locally acting trophic factors). ©2006 American Association for Cancer Research.