Recombinant Human P2RX4 protein

P2RX4. a member of the P2X receptor family, is a ligand-gated ion channel activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As one of seven P2X subtypes (P2X1–P2X7), P2RX4 is distinguished by its role in modulating cellular responses to ATP, a key signaling molecule in physiological and pathological processes. Structurally, it forms a trimeric complex with two transmembrane domains per subunit, creating a central pore permeable to Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ upon activation. This cation flux triggers downstream signaling linked to inflammation, immune regulation, and neurotransmission.

P2RX4 is widely expressed in immune cells (e.g., microglia, macrophages), epithelial cells, and the central nervous system. Its activation promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine release (e.g., IL-1β), reactive oxygen species production, and phagocytosis, implicating it in neuropathic pain, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, unlike P2X7. P2RX4 exhibits lower ATP sensitivity and distinct pharmacological properties, requiring higher ATP concentrations or prolonged exposure for activation.

Recombinant P2RX4 protein is engineered via heterologous expression systems (e.g., HEK293. CHO, or E. coli) for structural and functional studies. These systems enable the production of purified protein for crystallography, electrophysiology, and drug discovery. Research using recombinant P2RX4 has identified potential therapeutic targets, such as allosteric modulators to treat chronic pain or inflammatory disorders. Challenges include preserving native conformation and post-translational modifications critical for channel gating. Mammalian expression systems are often preferred for functional studies, while bacterial systems offer cost-effective production for antigenic or structural analyses. Current research focuses on elucidating its role in disease mechanisms and developing subtype-selective drugs to minimize off-target effects.