Latest advances on the role of P2X Receptors in colorectal inflammation and cancer

TL;DR

This review explores how P2X receptors contribute to colon inflammation and cancer, and discusses potential targeted therapies.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of P2X receptor roles in colonic diseases and highlights personalized therapeutic strategies.

Findings

P2X receptors are involved in intestinal inflammation and tumor-promoting microenvironments.

Dysregulated P2X signaling affects immune cell activation and visceral hypersensitivity.

Therapeutic strategies targeting P2X receptors are emerging, emphasizing personalized approaches.

Abstract

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) is a hallmark of inflammatory and tumor-associated microenvironments, where it functions as a key extracellular signalling molecule through activation of purinergic receptors. In the gastrointestinal tract, and particularly in the colon, eATP-mediated signalling regulates epithelial barrier function, neuroimmune interactions, and immune responses. P2X receptors, a family of eATP-gated ion channels, are differentially expressed across epithelial, neuronal, and immune cell populations and are increasingly recognized as contributors to colonic pathophysiology. This review summarizes current evidence on the roles of P2X receptors in inflammatory bowel disease and colon carcinoma, highlighting their involvement in intestinal inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, immune cell activation, and tumor-associated processes. We discuss how dysregulated P2X receptor signalling contributes to chronic inflammation and supports a tumor-promoting microenvironment, while also emphasizing the context- and cell-type-specific nature of these responses. Finally, we outline emerging therapeutic strategies targeting P2X receptors and underscore the importance of personalized approaches based on receptor expression patterns within the colonic tissue.

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