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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
08:45
Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
P2 receptors and cancer
Nicholas White1, Geoffrey Burnstock
1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, UK, NW3 2PF.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|March 15, 2006
Summary
Extracellular ATP and related purinergic signaling show promise for cancer treatment by targeting P2 receptors. Research indicates these receptors influence cancer cell growth and apoptosis, with early clinical trials underway.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Purinergic signaling, involving extracellular ATP and nucleotides, plays a role in numerous biological processes.
- P2 receptors are involved in various cancer types, with different subtypes mediating critical pathophysiological functions.
- Extracellular nucleotides are being investigated for their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide background on purinergic signaling and purinoceptor subtypes.
- To discuss the role of ATP in different cancer types.
- To review in vivo studies, animal models, clinical trials, and specific P2 receptor subtypes involved in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of purinergic signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of P2 receptor subtype expression in human cancer tissues and cell lines.
- Examination of in vivo studies and clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Different P2 receptor subtypes are expressed in various cancers.
- Evidence suggests P2 receptor activation influences cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- In vivo studies indicate ATP can reduce cancer growth rates.
Conclusions:
- P2 receptor-targeting agents represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy for cancer.
- Further research into specific P2 receptor subtypes and their roles is warranted.
- Clinical trials are exploring the efficacy of ATP-based cancer therapies.
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