Identification of P2Y11 Receptor Expressed in Human Retinoblastoma Cells

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to identify the characteristics and physiological function of the P2Y11 receptor, a receptor likely expressed in human retinoblastoma cells. METHODS: We measured possible P2Y11 signaling in WERI-Rb-1 cells using a Ca2+ imaging technique and RT-PCR. RESULTS: 1) 10 micro M ATP elicited a strong but transient increase in Ca2+ in the WERI-Rb-1 cells, and this Ca2+ rise was well maintained after external Ca2+-depletion. 2) ATP-induced Ca2+ response arose entirely through Ca2+ mobilization. 3) P2Y11 agonist (BzATP, 100 micro M) increased Ca2+ by 31.2+/-3.7 % of ATP effect. 4) mRNA for P2Y11 subtype was identified using RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: P2Y11 purinergic activation can increase the intracellular calcium level through calcium mobilization in undifferentiated retinoblastoma cells, which may play an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and even pathologic processes.