Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
A novel nucleotide receptor in Xenopus activates the cAMP second messenger pathway
Christelle Devader1, Christian M Drew, Timothy J Geach
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Abstract:
We describe a Xenopus P2Y receptor that shares only weak homology with members of the mammalian P2Y family, being most similar to human P2Y(11). When activated by nucleotide analogs, it stimulates both calcium and cAMP mobilization pathways, a feature unique, among mammalian P2Y receptors, to P2Y(11). Activity can be blocked by compounds known to act as antagonists of mammalian P2Y(11). Genomic synteny between Xenopus and mammals suggests that the novel gene is a true ortholog of P2Y(11). Xenopus P2Y(11) is transcribed during embryonic development, beginning at gastrulation, and is enriched in the developing nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
What are Second Messengers?
MAPK Signaling Cascades

