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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
AdenosineExtracellular ATPOvarian carcinomaPurinergic receptors

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