Molecular Structures of the Hearing Loss Associated Human P2X2 Receptor

What is it about?

ATP is best known as the “fuel of the cell,” providing energy for nearly every biological process. But when ATP is released from cells, it takes on a very different role — acting as a danger signal that alerts the body to stress or injury. One way the body detects and responds to these warning signals is through the activation of P2X receptors—ion channels that regulate ion flow across cell membranes and influence many physiological functions. Among them, the P2X2 receptor is especially important for hearing and inflammation. In this study, we used an advanced imaging technique called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to capture detailed three-dimensional snapshots of the human P2X2 receptor in multiple states — both with and without ATP bound. These high-resolution structures reveal how the receptor changes shape when it detects ATP and how these movements open and close the channel to regulate ion flow. The structures also highlight unique features of the P2X2 receptor and pinpoint locations where mutations linked to hearing loss occur.

Featured Image

Photo by thomas heintz on Unsplash

Photo by thomas heintz on Unsplash

Why is it important?

By uncovering how the P2X2 receptor works at the molecular level, this research provides a foundation for designing new drugs that can fine-tune its activity. Such targeted therapies could one day help treat hearing disorders and inflammatory diseases associated with abnormal P2X2 receptor signaling.