Untangling Macropore Formation and Current Facilitation in P2X7

Macropore formation and current facilitation are intriguing phenomena associated with ATP-gated P2X7 receptors (P2X7). Macropores are large pores formed in the cell membrane that allow the passage of large molecules. The precise mechanisms underlying macropore formation remain poorly understood, but recent evidence suggests two alternative pathways: a direct entry through the P2X7 pore itself, and an indirect pathway triggered by P2X7 activation involving additional proteins, such as TMEM16F channel/scramblase. On the other hand, current facilitation refers to the progressive increase in current amplitude and activation kinetics observed with prolonged or repetitive exposure to ATP. Various mechanisms, including the activation of chloride channels and intrinsic properties of P2X7, have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. In this comprehensive review, we present an in-depth overview of P2X7 current facilitation and macropore formation, highlighting new findings and proposing mechanistic models that may offer fresh insights into these untangled processes.

Automated summary

This comprehensive review focuses on ATP-gated P2X7 receptors, specifically examining the intriguing phenomena of macropore formation and current facilitation. Macropores are large pores in the cell membrane that allow the passage of large molecules, and their precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Current facilitation refers to the progressive increase in current amplitude and activation kinetics observed with prolonged or repetitive exposure to ATP. The article presents an in-depth overview of these processes, highlighting new findings and proposing mechanistic models for further understanding.