Full name: purinergic receptor P2X 7

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: P2X7

Summary: The product of this gene belongs to the family of purinoceptors for ATP. This receptor functions as a ligand-gated ion channel and is responsible for ATP-dependent lysis of macrophages through the formation of membrane pores permeable to large molecules. Activation of this nuclear receptor by ATP in the cytoplasm may be a mechanism by which cellular activity can be coupled to changes in gene expression. Multiple alternatively spliced variants have been identified, most of which fit nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) criteria. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2010]

Expression: Broad expression in brain (RPKM 6.8), skin (RPKM 4.9) and 23 other tissues

Gene size: 55157bp

Exon count: 13