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Purinergic signalling--an overview.
1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|June 30, 2006
Summary
Extracellular signaling by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) involves purinergic receptors, classified into P1 (adenosine) and P2 (ATP, ADP, UTP) families. These receptors mediate diverse physiological processes, from fast neurotransmission to slow trophic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Extracellular signaling via ATP and other nucleotides is crucial in biological systems.
- Purinergic receptors are key mediators of these signals, influencing numerous cellular functions.
- Understanding these receptors is vital for comprehending physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the classification and subtypes of purinergic receptors.
- To explore the distribution and physiological roles of purinergic signaling.
- To summarize purinoceptor expression in glial cells and ATP release mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on purinergic signaling.
- Analysis of receptor classification based on cloning, transduction, and pharmacology.
- Summary of physiological and pathophysiological roles.
- Compilation of data on glial cell purinoceptors.
Main Results:
- P1 receptors (adenosine) have 4 subtypes; P2 receptors (ATP, ADP, UTP) include P2X (7 subtypes) and P2Y (8 subtypes).
- Purinergic signaling mediates fast processes (e.g., neurotransmission, secretion) and slow trophic effects (e.g., proliferation, inflammation, cancer).
- Specific purinoceptor subtypes are expressed on various glial cells, with evidence for non-lytic ATP release from these cells.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling, mediated by diverse P1 and P2 receptor subtypes, plays fundamental roles in both rapid and slow physiological and pathophysiological processes.
- Glial cells express specific purinoceptors and contribute to extracellular ATP signaling.
- Further research into purinergic signaling pathways holds therapeutic potential.