Adenosine receptor neurobiology: overview

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Adenosine is a ubiquitous nucleoside acting as a key neuromodulator in the brain.
• Adenosine receptors (ARs), a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, regulate diverse brain functions including synaptic plasticity, cognition, sleep, motor activity, neuroinflammation, and cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding adenosine receptor (AR) structure, signaling, and function in the brain.
• To highlight novel developments in AR neurobiology and their therapeutic implications for neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of gene and genome structure and expression patterns of ARs.
• Analysis of canonical and noncanonical AR signaling pathways.
• Integration of findings from genetic-knockout and pharmacological studies.
• Highlighting recent breakthroughs in AR structural biology and receptor interactions.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of AR gene/genome structure and expression.
• Characterization of novel AR signaling pathways, including noncanonical pathways.
• Insights from genetic and pharmacological studies on AR's role in brain function.
• Recent advances in understanding AR structure, heterodimerization, glial function, and druggability.

Conclusions:

• Adenosine A1 and A2A receptors (A1ARs and A2ARs) are strongly supported as therapeutic targets for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Emerging research on ARs, including structural biology and signaling, solidifies their importance in brain function and disease treatment.