Naveen Kumar Mekala

Alcohol and E-Cigarettes Activate P2X7R in Lung Epithelial Cells, Stimulating Release of Plasminogen Activator in Extracellular Vesicles, Injuring Blood-Brain Barrier

Chronic alcohol and nicotine exposure can increase susceptibility to lung injury and promote the release of extracellular ATP (eATP). Elevated eATP activates the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a membrane ion channel that amplifies inflammatory signaling and promotes extracellu...