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Purinergic Signaling in Liver Pathophysiology
Shanu Jain1, Kenneth A Jacobson1
1Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 30, 2021
Summary
Purinergic receptors, including adenosine, P2Y, and P2X types, are crucial for liver health and disease. Targeting these receptors offers potential therapies for liver pathologies like NAFLD and HCC.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Molecular Medicine
- Purinergic Signaling Pathways
Background:
- Extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides activate purinergic receptors (GPCRs and ion channels) in liver cells.
- These receptors regulate normal hepatic metabolic processes and serve as danger signals in disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of purinergic signaling in liver health and disease.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting purinergic receptors for liver pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on purinergic signaling in liver resident cells.
- Analysis of purinergic receptor involvement in hepatic metabolic regulation and disease development.
Main Results:
- Purinergic receptors are vital for normal liver function, regulating metabolism and insulin responsiveness.
- Dysregulated purinergic signaling contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling is a key player in liver homeostasis and pathology.
- Targeting adenosine, P2Y, and P2X receptors presents a promising therapeutic avenue for liver diseases.
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