[Nucleotide receptors--structure and function, history and perspectives].

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Signaling
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Extracellular nucleotide signaling is crucial for physiological processes.
• Nucleotide receptors, initially termed purinoreceptors, were discovered in the 1970s.
• These receptors are activated by various purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.

Purpose:

• To review the historical development of extracellular nucleotide signaling research.
• To present current knowledge on nucleotide receptor subtypes, including P1, P2X, and P2Y receptors.
• To discuss the structure, function, and therapeutic potential of these receptors.

Summary:

• Nucleotide receptors are classified into P1 (adenosine-activated) and P2 (nucleotide-activated) families.
• P2 receptors are further divided into ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y subtypes.
• P2Y receptors are activated by nucleotides like ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, and UDP-sugars.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of nucleotide receptor research.
• Highlights the diverse functional roles of nucleotide receptors in cellular processes.
• Speculates on future research directions and therapeutic strategies targeting nucleotide signaling pathways.