Purinergic signalling
Purinergic signalling
Purinergic signalling (pronunciation: pyʊərɪˈnɛrdʒɪk sɪɡˈnaɪlɪŋ) is a form of extracellular signalling that involves the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and nucleosides.
Etymology
The term "purinergic" is derived from the word "purine", a type of chemical compound, and the suffix "-ergic", which denotes a relationship or connection. The term "signalling" refers to the process by which cells communicate with each other.
Overview
Purinergic signalling is a complex process that involves the release of ATP and other purines and pyrimidines from cells, followed by the activation of purinergic receptors. These receptors, which include the P2X receptors and P2Y receptors, are found on the surface of many different types of cells and tissues, including neurons, glial cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells.
The activation of purinergic receptors can lead to a variety of cellular responses, including changes in membrane potential, the release of intracellular calcium, and the activation of intracellular signalling pathways. These responses can have a wide range of effects on cellular function, including changes in cell growth, differentiation, and death.
Related Terms
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A molecule that carries energy within cells. It is one of the primary molecules involved in purinergic signalling.
- Purine: A type of chemical compound that includes adenine and guanine, two of the four bases found in DNA and RNA.
- Pyrimidine: A type of chemical compound that includes cytosine, thymine, and uracil, three of the four bases found in DNA and RNA.
- P2X receptor: A type of purinergic receptor that is activated by ATP.
- P2Y receptor: A type of purinergic receptor that is activated by ATP and other nucleotides.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Purinergic signalling
- Wikipedia's article - Purinergic signalling
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