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P2X receptors.

R Alan North1

  • 1Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK r.a.north@manchester.ac.uk.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|July 6, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) activates P2X receptors, which are ion channels crucial for cell signaling. These receptors play key roles in muscle contraction, nerve function, and immune responses, with potential therapeutic applications.

Keywords:
adenosine 5′-triphosphateion channelpurinergic signalling

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a signaling molecule that activates cell surface P2X and P2Y receptors.
  • P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels permeable to cations like sodium, potassium, and calcium.
  • These receptors are structurally unique trimers that open a central pore upon ATP binding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of P2X receptor structure, function, and physiological roles.
  • To highlight the involvement of P2X receptors in various cell types and biological processes.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of P2X receptor modulators.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on P2X receptors.
  • Analysis of P2X receptor structure and function.
  • Discussion of P2X receptor roles in physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Results:

  • P2X receptors mediate rapid cellular responses, including smooth muscle contraction and neuronal excitation.
  • Activation of P2X receptors in immune cells triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • P2X receptors are involved in pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative processes.

Conclusions:

  • P2X receptors are critical mediators of cellular communication with diverse physiological roles.
  • Selective P2X receptor blockers are under investigation for treating various diseases.
  • Further research into P2X receptors may yield novel therapeutic strategies.