P2ry12, encoding the P2Y12 receptor, is a crucial gene with diverse functions. The P2Y12 receptor is involved in multiple pathways, including those related to platelet function, hemostasis, thrombosis, and inflammation. It plays a significant role in various biological processes and is associated with numerous diseases, making it an important target for research, and genetic models are valuable tools for studying its functions [3].

In advanced atherosclerosis, inhibition of the P2RY12 receptor in apoe-/- mice (atherosclerosis model) ameliorated lipid accumulation and VSMC-derived foam cell formation, independent of LDL-c levels. Genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of the P2RY12 receptor in VSMCs inhibited the blockage of cholesterol efflux mediated by the receptor via the PI3K-AKT pathway. Also, genetic knockdown of the essential autophagy gene Atg5 significantly attenuated P2RY12 receptor inhibitor-induced cholesterol efflux in VSMCs, indicating the role of autophagy in the P2RY12-mediated process [1].

In mice, microglial elimination triggered capillary dilation, blood flow increase, and impaired vasodilation, which were recapitulated in P2RY12 -/- mice, suggesting that P2RY12 receptors play important roles in activating microglial P2RY12 receptors to regulate neurovascular structure and function [2].

In addition, a genetic deletion of P2RY12 in mice induced sex-specific cellular perturbations with microglia and neurons, with females more significantly affected, and female mice lacking P2RY12 exhibited unique behavioral anomalies not seen in males [4].

In conclusion, P2ry12 is essential in processes like lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis, neurovascular regulation, and microglial-neuronal interactions. The use of gene knockout mouse models, such as P2RY12 -/- mice, has been instrumental in revealing its role in these biological processes and disease conditions, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for related diseases.