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Updated: May 7, 2026
12:24
Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
Purinergic signalling: pathophysiology and therapeutic potential
1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, London, UK.
The Keio Journal of Medicine
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Purinergic signaling, involving adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine, plays key roles in neurotransmission and cell regulation. This review explores its pathophysiology and therapeutic potential in various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Purinergic signaling involves adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine.
- ATP acts as a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Purinergic signaling influences cell proliferation, differentiation, and death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of understanding purinergic signaling.
- To discuss the pathophysiology of purinergic signaling in various systems.
- To explore purinergic therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of purinergic signaling research.
- Focus on ATP release, degradation, and receptor subtypes (P1, P2X, P2Y).
- Examination of purinergic signaling in disease states.
Main Results:
- ATP is a key mediator in neurotransmission and trophic signaling.
- Purinergic signaling is implicated in urinogenital, cardiovascular, airway, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems.
- Purinoceptors are involved in pain, cancer, and CNS disorders.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling is a fundamental biological process with broad physiological roles.
- Dysregulation of purinergic signaling contributes to various pathologies.
- Targeting purinergic pathways offers therapeutic opportunities.
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