Open AccessA novel P2X2‐dependent purinergic mechanism of enteric gliosis in intestinal inflammation
Author(s) -
Schneider Reiner,
Leven Patrick,
Glowka Tim,
Kuzmanov Ivan,
Lysson Mariola,
Schneiker Bianca,
Miesen Anna,
Baqi Younis,
Spanier Claudia,
Grants Iveta,
Mazzotta Elvio,
VillalobosHernandez Egina,
Kalff Jörg C,
Müller Christa E,
Christofi Fedias L,
Wehner Sven
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
embo molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.923
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1757-4684
pISSN - 1757-4676
DOI - 10.15252/emmm.202012724
Subject(s) - gliosis , purinergic receptor , inflammation , enteric nervous system , neuroinflammation , biology , immunology , medicine , receptor , neuroscience
Enteric glial cells (EGC) modulate motility, maintain gut homeostasis, and contribute to neuroinflammation in intestinal diseases and motility disorders. Damage induces a reactive glial phenotype known as “gliosis”, but the molecular identity of the inducing mechanism and triggers of “enteric gliosis” are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that surgical trauma during intestinal surgery triggers ATP release that drives enteric gliosis and inflammation leading to impaired motility in postoperative ileus (POI). ATP activation of a p38‐dependent MAPK pathway triggers cytokine release and a gliosis phenotype in murine (and human) EGCs. Receptor antagonism and genetic depletion studies revealed P2X2 as the relevant ATP receptor and pharmacological screenings identified ambroxol as a novel P2X2 antagonist. Ambroxol prevented ATP‐induced enteric gliosis, inflammation, and protected against dysmotility, while abrogating enteric gliosis in human intestine exposed to surgical trauma. We identified a novel pathogenic P2X2‐dependent pathway of ATP‐induced enteric gliosis, inflammation and dysmotility in humans and mice. Interventions that block enteric glial P2X2 receptors during trauma may represent a novel therapy in treating POI and immune‐driven intestinal motility disorders.