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Purinergic Signaling in Ovarian Carcinoma
Angélica Sofía Martínez-Ramírez1, José David Nuñez-Ríos2,3, Ana Patricia Juárez-Mercado2
1Laboratorio de Cultivo de Células Animales, Universidad de Papaloapan, Campus Tuxtepec, Circuito Central Colonia Parque Industrial, Tuxtepec Oaxaca, México.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|March 16, 2026
Summary
Ovarian carcinoma (OC) has high recurrence rates, necessitating new treatments. Targeting the purinergic system, which promotes tumor growth and blocks immune responses, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for this deadly gynecological cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally, characterized by high recurrence rates and stagnant progression-free survival.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in OC progression, with the purinergic system emerging as a significant pro-tumor factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the purinergic system in ovarian carcinoma.
- To explore purinergic signaling as a potential therapeutic target for overcoming treatment resistance in OC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on ovarian carcinoma and purinergic signaling.
- Analysis of experimental evidence linking purinergic elements to OC progression and immune evasion.
Main Results:
- Tumor cells release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the TME, promoting metastasis, proliferation, and metabolic adaptation.
- Ectonucleotidases (CD39, CD73) convert ATP to adenosine (ADO), which suppresses anti-tumor immunity.
- Purinergic signaling exhibits diversity and plasticity in OC, influencing disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The purinergic system, including ATP and adenosine, significantly impacts OC development and immune evasion.
- Targeting purinergic signaling pathways presents a novel therapeutic avenue for improving outcomes in ovarian carcinoma.
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