Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2021 Jan;41(1):17-29. doi: 10.1007/s10571-020-00846-x. Epub 2020 Apr 25.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have gained much attention in the scientific community since they play a significant role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Multiple approaches to study the receptors exist, with characterization of the receptors' functionality at a single cellular level using cell culturing being one of them. Derived from an adrenal medulla tumor, PC12 cells express nicotinic receptor subunits and form functional nicotinic receptors. Thus, the cells offer a convenient environment to address questions related to the functionality of the receptors. The review summarizes the findings on nicotinic receptors' expression and functions which were conducted using PC12 cells. Specific focus is given to α3-containing receptors as well as α7 receptor. Critical evaluation of findings is provided alongside insights into what can still be learned about nAChRs, using PC12 cells.
烟碱型乙酰胆碱受体(nAChRs)在科学界受到了广泛关注,因为它们在多种生理和病理生理过程中发挥着重要作用。目前有多种研究受体的方法,其中之一是在细胞培养水平上对受体的功能进行特征描述。PC12 细胞来源于肾上腺髓质肿瘤,表达烟碱受体亚单位并形成功能性烟碱受体。因此,这些细胞提供了一个方便的环境来解决与受体功能相关的问题。本综述总结了使用 PC12 细胞进行的烟碱受体表达和功能的研究结果。特别关注含有α3 的受体以及α7 受体。提供了对这些发现的批判性评估,并深入了解使用 PC12 细胞还可以了解 nAChRs 的哪些方面。