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Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels

Published on: May 18, 2009

Purine ionotropic (P2X) receptors.

L Köles¹, S Fürst, P Illes

¹Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Germany.

Current Pharmaceutical Design

|August 21, 2007

Summary

Purinergic signaling, particularly adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) acting on P2X receptors, modulates physiological functions. These P2X receptors are crucial in various diseases, presenting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

Cellular and Molecular Biology
Physiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Purinergic signaling, mediated by adenosine 5 '-triphosphate (ATP) and its derivatives, is vital for numerous physiological processes.
While often acting as modulators, extracellular ATP gains significance in pathological conditions, activating specific membrane receptors.
Two main classes of ATP receptors exist: metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

This review focuses on the ionotropic P2X receptors, a family of purine-gated ion channels.
The study aims to describe the distribution, functional properties, and pharmacology of P2X receptors.
It further highlights the (patho)physiological roles of P2X receptors in various organ systems and disease states.

Main Methods:

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Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells

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Comprehensive literature review on P2X receptor distribution, function, and pharmacology.

Analysis of studies investigating the involvement of P2X receptors in physiological and pathological conditions.

Synthesis of information regarding therapeutic potential and development of selective ligands.

Main Results:

P2X receptors are widely distributed throughout the body and exhibit diverse functional properties.
Their involvement is established or suggested in cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems.
Significant roles are also identified in pain, cancer, central nervous system injury, and embryonic development.

Conclusions:

P2X receptors play critical roles in both normal physiology and various disease pathologies.
Their involvement in diverse conditions underscores their importance as potential therapeutic targets.
Selective P2X receptor ligands are anticipated to become valuable future therapeutic agents.