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ATP receptors in sickness, pain and death
A Brake1, M Schumacher, D Julius
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Chemistry & Biology
|April 1, 1996
Abstract:
Extracellular ATP elicits biological responses ranging from cell death to synaptic transmission. Recent gene-cloning efforts have uncovered a family of cell-surface ATP receptors, which are potential targets for the development of novel drugs to treat airway and cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and pain.
Insights
Extracellular ATP, a molecule outside cells, triggers various responses. Cell-surface ATP receptors, recently identified, offer new drug targets for diseases like inflammation and pain.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a signaling molecule.
- ATP mediates diverse physiological processes, including cell death and synaptic transmission.
- Understanding ATP's role is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of cell-surface ATP receptors.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
- To explore the link between ATP signaling and disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Gene-cloning techniques were employed.
- Identification of a novel family of cell-surface ATP receptors.
- Analysis of receptor function and distribution (implied).
Main Results:
- A family of cell-surface ATP receptors has been discovered.
- These receptors represent a new class of molecular targets.
- The identified receptors are implicated in various biological responses.
Conclusions:
- Cell-surface ATP receptors are key mediators of extracellular ATP signaling.
- These receptors hold promise as targets for novel therapeutics.
- Potential applications include treating airway diseases, cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, and pain.