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Published on: October 21, 2012
Adenosine-induced cell death: evidence for receptor-mediated signalling
K A Jacobson1, C Hoffmann, F Cattabeni
1Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Adenosine influences cell death and survival across various cell types. Extracellular adenosine receptors, particularly A2A and A3, are key targets for modulating apoptosis in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adenosine plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis across diverse cell types.
- Dysregulation of adenosine-mediated apoptosis is implicated in various pathological conditions, including ischemia, trauma, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the role of adenosine in apoptosis, encompassing both physiological and pathological contexts.
- To emphasize the significance of extracellular adenosine receptors as potential therapeutic targets for modulating cell death.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo data analysis.
- Review of studies investigating adenosine's effects on cell death.
- Focus on the roles of specific adenosine receptors (A2A and A3) in apoptosis modulation.
Main Results:
- Adenosine can induce or protect against apoptosis, depending on cellular context and receptor activation.
- A2A and A3 adenosine receptors are specifically implicated in modulating cell death pathways.
- Extracellular receptor activation is a common mechanism for adenosine-induced apoptosis, though intracellular entry is sometimes required.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular adenosine receptors represent promising molecular targets for pharmacological intervention in diseases involving aberrant apoptosis.
- Understanding adenosine signaling pathways is crucial for developing novel therapies for conditions ranging from ischemia and neurodegeneration to cancer and muscular dystrophies.
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