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Use of Enzymatic Biosensors to Quantify Endogenous ATP or H2O2 in the Kidney
Published on: October 12, 2015
The nucleobase adenine as a signalling molecule in the kidney
D Thimm1, A C Schiedel, J Peti-Peterdi
1PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Abstract:
In 2002, the first receptor activated by the nucleobase adenine was discovered in rats. In the past years, two adenine receptors (AdeRs) in mice and one in Chinese hamsters, all of which belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), were cloned and pharmacologically characterized. Based on the nomenclature for other purinergic receptor families (P1 for adenosine receptors and P2 for nucleotide, e.g. ATP, receptors), AdeRs were designated P0 receptors. Pharmacological data indicate the existence of G protein-coupled AdeRs in pigs and humans as well; however, those have not been cloned so far. Current data suggest a role for adenine and AdeRs in renal proximal tubules. Furthermore, AdeRs are suggested to be functional counterplayers of vasopressin in the collecting duct system, thus exerting diuretic effects. We are only at the beginning of understanding the significance of this new class of purinergic receptors, which might become future drug targets.
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