Signalling properties of inorganic polyphosphate in the mammalian brain

Kira M. Holmström, Nephtali Marina, Artyom Y. Baev, Nicholas W. Wood, Alexander V. Gourine () and Andrey Y. Abramov ()
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Kira M. Holmström: UCL Institute of Neurology
Nephtali Marina: Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London
Artyom Y. Baev: UCL Institute of Neurology
Nicholas W. Wood: UCL Institute of Neurology
Alexander V. Gourine: Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London
Andrey Y. Abramov: UCL Institute of Neurology

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Inorganic polyphosphate is known to be present in the mammalian brain at micromolar concentrations. Here we show that polyphosphate may act as a gliotransmitter, mediating communication between astrocytes. It is released by astrocytes in a calcium-dependent manner and signals to neighbouring astrocytes through P2Y1 purinergic receptors, activation of phospholipase C and release of calcium from the intracellular stores. In primary neuroglial cultures, application of polyP triggers release of endogenous polyphosphate from astrocytes while neurons take it up. In vivo, central actions of polyphosphate at the level of the brainstem include profound increases in key homeostatic physiological activities, such as breathing, central sympathetic outflow and the arterial blood pressure. Together, these results suggest a role for polyphosphate as a mediator of astroglial signal transmission in the mammalian brain.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2364

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