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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Ex vivo Culturing of Whole, Developing Drosophila Brains

Ex vivo Culturing of Whole, Developing Drosophila Brains

Published on: July 27, 2012

Purinergic signalling and brain development.

Ricardo J Rodrigues¹, Joana M Marques¹, Rodrigo A Cunha²

¹CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology

|December 12, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Purines like ATP and adenosine are crucial cell signals. Their roles in brain development, including neurogenesis and neural connectivity, are increasingly recognized, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords:

ATP Adenosine Brain development Neuronal development P1 receptors P2 receptors

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine are vital intercellular communication signals released based on metabolic activity.
These purines are released from neurons in an activity-dependent manner, influencing adult brain function, exemplified by caffeine's effects on adenosine receptors.
Purinergic signaling components are dynamically expressed and released during early neurogenesis and throughout brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the multifaceted roles of purinergic signaling in controlling various processes during brain development.
To highlight the significance of purines in neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential for therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

This study is a review and synthesis of existing research on purinergic signaling in brain development.
It examines the dynamic expression and release of purines and their receptors during developmental stages.

Main Results:

Emerging evidence indicates purinergic signaling controls embryonic neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and connectivity.
Purines are involved in synaptogenesis, synaptic stability, and elimination processes.
The precise spatiotemporal engagement of the purinergic system components requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

Purinergic signaling plays a critical role in orchestrating complex processes of brain development.
Dysregulation of purinergic signaling is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, offering new avenues for understanding and correcting brain wiring abnormalities.