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Purinergic signalling (or signaling: see American and British English differences) is a form of extracellular signalling mediated by purine nucleotides and nucleosides such as adenosine and ATP. It involves the activation of purinergic receptors in the cell and/or in nearby cells, thereby regulating cellular functions. [1]
It was proposed after Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was identified in 1970 as the transmitter responsible for non-adrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmission. Nowadays is it known that ATP acts a cotransmitter in most, if not all, nerves in the central and peripheral nervous system. [2]
Receptors for adenosine (called P1) and for ATP and ADP (called P2) were distinguished in 1978. Later, the P2 receptors were subdivided into P2X and P2Y families based on their different mechanisms. In the early 1990s, when the receptors to purines and pyrimidines were cloned and characterized, numerous subtypes of P1 and P2 receptors were discovered. [3]
The purinergic signalling complex of a cell is sometimes referred to as the “purinome”. [4]
Purinergic receptors, represented by several families, are among the most abundant receptors in living organisms and appeared early in evolution. [6]
Among invertebrates, the purinergic signalling system has been found in bacteria, amoeba, ciliates, algae, fungi, anemones, ctenophores, platyhelminthes, nematodes, crustacea, molluscs, annelids, echinoderms, and insects. [7] In green plants, extracellular ATP and other nucleotides induce an increase in the cytosolic concentration of calcium ions, in addition to other downstream changes that influence plant growth and modulate responses to stimuli. [8] In 2014, the first purinergic receptor in plants, DORN1, was discovered. [9]
The primitive P2X receptors of unicellular organisms often share low sequence similarity with those in mammals, yet they still retain micromolar sensitivity to ATP. The evolution of this receptor class is estimated to have occurred over a billion years ago. [10]
Generally speaking, all cells have the ability to release nucleotides. In neuronal and neuroendocrinal cells, this mostly occurs via regulated exocytosis. [1] Released nucleotides can be hydrolyzed extracellularly by a variety of cell surface-located enzymes referred to as ectonucleotidases. The purinergic signalling system consists of transporters, enzymes and receptors responsible for the synthesis, release, action, and extracellular inactivation of (primarily) ATP and its extracellular breakdown product adenosine. [11] The signalling effects of uridine triphosphate (UTP) and uridine diphosphate (UDP) are generally comparable to those of ATP. [12]
Purinergic receptor s are specific classes of membrane receptors that mediate various physiological functions such as the relaxation of gut smooth muscle, as a response to the release of ATP or adenosine. There are three known distinct classes of purinergic receptors, known as P1, P2X, and P2Y receptors. Cell signalling events initiated by P1 and P2Y receptors have opposing effects in biological systems. [13]
Name | Activation | Class |
P1 receptors | adenosine | G protein-coupled receptors |
P2Y receptors | nucleotides | G protein-coupled receptors |
P2X receptors | ATP | ligand-gated ion channel |
Nucleoside transporters (NTs) are a group of membrane transport proteins which transport nucleoside substrates including adenosine across the membranes of cells and/or vesicles. NTs are considered to be evolutionarily ancient membrane proteins and are found in many different forms of life. [14] There are two types of NTs:
The extracellular concentration of adenosine can be regulated by NTs, possibly in the form of a feedback loop connecting receptor signaling with transporter function. [14]
Released nucleotides can be hydrolyzed extracellularly by a variety of cell surface-located enzymes referred to as ectonucleotidases that control purinergic signalling. Extracellular nucleoside triphosphates and diphosphates are substrates of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (E-NTPDases), the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (E-NPPs) and alkaline phosphatases (APs). Extracellular AMP is hydrolyzed to adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN) as well as by APs. In any case, the final product of the hydrolysis cascade is the nucleoside. [15] [16]
The Pannexin-1 channel (PANX1) is an integral component of the P2X/P2Y purinergic signaling pathway and the key contributor to pathophysiological ATP release. [17] For example, the PANX1 channel, along with ATP, purinergic receptors, and ectonucleotidases, contribute to several feedback loops during the inflammatory response. [18]
In the human heart, adenosine functions as an autacoid in the regulation of various cardiac functions such as heart rate, contractility, and coronary flow. There are currently four types of adenosine receptors found in the heart. [19] After binding onto a specific purinergic receptor, adenosine causes a negative chronotropic effect due to its influence on cardiac pacemakers. It also causes a negative dromotropic effect through the inhibition of AV-nodal conduction. [20] From the 1980s onwards, these effects of adenosine have been used in the treatment of patients with supraventricular tachycardia. [21]
The regulation of vascular tone in the endothelium of blood vessels is mediated by purinergic signalling. A decreased concentration of oxygen releases ATP from erythrocytes, triggering a propagated calcium wave in the endothelial layer of blood vessels and a subsequent production of nitric oxide that results in vasodilation. [22] [23]
During the blood clotting process, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plays a crucial role in the activation and recruitment of platelets and also ensures the structural integrity of thrombi. These effects are modulated by the P2RY1 and the P2Y12 receptors. The P2RY1 receptor is responsible for shape change in platelets, increased intracellular calcium levels and transient platelet aggregation, while the P2Y12 receptor is responsible for sustained platelet aggregation through the inhibition of adenylate cyclase and a corresponding decrease in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. The activation of both purinergic receptors is necessary to achieve sustained hemostasis. [24] [25]
In the liver, ATP is constantly released during homeostasis and its signalling via P2 receptors influences bile secretion as well as liver metabolism and regeneration. [26] P2Y receptors in the enteric nervous system and at intestinal neuromuscular junctions modulate intestinal secretion and motility. [27]
Cells of the pituitary gland secrete ATP, which acts on P2Y and P2X purinoreceptors. [28]
Autocrine purinergic signalling is an important checkpoint in the activation of white blood cells. These mechanisms either enhance or inhibit cell activation based on the purinergic receptors involved, allowing cells to adjust their functional responses initiated by extracellular environmental cues. [29]
Like most immunomodulating agents, ATP can act either as an immunosuppressive or an immunostimulatory factor, depending on the cytokine microenvironment and the type of cell receptor. [30] In white blood cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells, purinergic signalling plays a pathophysiological role in calcium mobilization, actin polymerization, release of mediators, cell maturation, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis. [31] Large increases in extracellular ATP that are associated with cell death serve as a "danger signal" in the inflammatory processes. [32]
In neutrophils, tissue adenosine can either activate or inhibit various neutrophil functions, depending on the inflammatory microenvironment, the expression of adenosine receptors on the neutrophil, and the affinity of these receptors for adenosine. Micromolar concentrations of adenosine activate A2A and A2B receptors. This inhibits the release of granules and prevents oxidative burst. On the other hand, nanomolar concentrations of adenosine activate A1 and A3 receptors, resulting in neutrophilic chemotaxis towards inflammatory stimuli. The release of ATP and an autocrine feedback through P2RY2 and A3 receptors are signal amplifiers. [33] [34] Hypoxia-inducible factors also influence adenosine signalling. [21]
In the central nervous system (CNS), ATP is released from synaptic terminals and binds to a plethora of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. It has an excitatory effect on neurones, and acts as a mediator in neuronal–glial communications. [35] Both adenosine and ATP induce astrocyte cell proliferation. In microglia, P2X and P2Y receptors are expressed. The P2Y6 receptor, which is primarily mediated by uridine diphosphate (UDP), plays a significant role in microglial phagoptosis, while the P2Y12 receptor functions as a specialized pattern recognition receptor. P2RX4 receptors are involved in the CNS mediation of neuropathic pain. [36]
In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells respond to nerve stimulation and modulate the release of neurotransmitters through mechanisms involving ATP and adenosine signalling. [37] In the retina and the olfactory bulb, ATP is released by neurons to evoke transient calcium signals in several glial cells such as Muller glia and astrocytes. This influences various homeostatic processes of the nervous tissue including volume regulation and the control of blood flow. Although purinergic signaling has been connected to pathological processes in the context of neuron-glia communication, it has been revealed, that this is also very important under physiological conditions. Neurons possess specialised sites on their cell bodies, through which they release ATP (and other substances), reflecting their "well-being". Microglial processes specifically recognize these purinergic somatic-junctions, and monitor neuronal functions by sensing purine nucleotides via their P2Y12-receptors. In case of neuronal overactivation or injury, microglial processes respond with an increased coverage of neuronal cell bodies, and exert robust neuroprotective effects. [38] Calcium signaling evoked by purinergic receptors contributes to the processing of sensory information. [39]
During neurogenesis and in early brain development, ectonucleotidases often downregulate purinergic signalling in order to prevent the uncontrolled growth of progenitor cells and to establish a suitable environment for neuronal differentiation. [40]
In the kidneys, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is regulated by several mechanisms including tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), in which an increased distal tubular sodium chloride concentration causes a basolateral release of ATP from the macula densa cells. This initiates a cascade of events that ultimately brings GFR to an appropriate level. [41] [42]
ATP and adenosine are crucial regulators of mucociliary clearance. [43] The secretion of mucin involves P2RY2 receptors found on the apical membrane of goblet cells. [43] Extracellular ATP signals acting on glial cells and the neurons of the respiratory rhythm generator contribute to the regulation of breathing. [44]
In the human skeleton, nearly all P2Y and P2X receptors have been found in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These receptors enable the regulation of multiple processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, function, and death. [45] The activation of the adenosine A1 receptor is required for osteoclast differentiation and function, whereas the activation of the adenosine A2A receptor inhibits osteoclast function. The other three adenosine receptors are involved in bone formation. [46]
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the expression of A1 and A2A receptors in the frontal cortex of the human brain is increased, while the expression of A1 receptors in the outer layers of hippocampal dentate gyrus is decreased. [40]
In the airways of patients with asthma, the expression of adenosine receptors is upregulated. Adenosine receptors affect bronchial reactivity, endothelial permeability, fibrosis, angiogenesis and mucus production. [47]
Purinergic signalling is involved in the pathophysiology of several bone and cartilage diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. [48] Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P2RX7 receptor gene are associated with an increased risk of bone fracture. [45]
The P2RX7 receptor is overexpressed in most malignant tumors. [49] The expression of the adenosine A2A receptor on endothelial cells is upregulated in the early stages of human lung cancer. [50]
Formation of foam cells is inhibited by adenosine A2A receptors. [51]
Abnormal levels of ATP and adenosine are present in the airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [52] [53]
The release of ATP increases adenosine levels and activates nitric oxide synthase, both of which induces the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum penis. In male patients with vasculogenic impotence, dysfunctional adenosine A2B receptors are associated with the resistance of the corpus cavernosum to adenosine. On the other hand, excess adenosine in penile tissue contributes to priapism. [54] [55]
The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis contains a higher concentration of ATP than that of control subjects. [56] Persistently elevated concentrations of adenosine beyond the acute-injury phase leads to fibrotic remodelling. [57] Extracellular purines modulate fibroblast proliferation by binding onto adenosine receptors and P2 receptors to influence tissue structure and pathologic remodeling. [56]
Following tissue injury in patients with Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), ATP is released into the peritoneal fluid. It binds onto the P2RX7 receptors of host antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and activates the inflammasomes. As a result, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules by APCs is upregulated. The inhibition of the P2X7 receptor increases the number of regulatory T cells and decreases the incidence of acute GVHD. [58]
Mechanical deformation of the skin by acupuncture needles appears to result in the release of adenosine. [60] [61] A 2014 Nature Reviews Cancer review article found that the key mouse studies that suggested acupuncture relieves pain via the local release of adenosine, which then triggered close-by A1 receptors "caused more tissue damage and inflammation relative to the size of the animal in mice than in humans, such studies unnecessarily muddled a finding that local inflammation can result in the local release of adenosine with analgesic effect." [62] The anti-nociceptive effect of acupuncture may be mediated by the adenosine A1 receptor. [63] [64] [65] Electroacupuncture may inhibit pain by the activation of a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms of the nervous system. [66]
Methotrexate, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits the action of dihydrofolate reductase, leading to an accumulation of adenosine. On the other hand, the adenosine-receptor antagonist caffeine reverses the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate. [67]
Many anti-platelet drugs such as Prasugrel, Ticagrelor, and Ticlopidine are adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitors. Before the expiry of its patent, the P2Y12 receptor antagonist Clopidogrel (trade name: Plavix) was the second most prescribed drug in the world. In 2010 alone, it generated over US$9 billion in global sales. [68]
Theophylline was originally used as a bronchodilator, although its usage has declined due to several side effects such as seizures and cardiac arrhythmias caused by adenosine A1 receptor antagonism. [69]
Several herbs used in Traditional Chinese medicine contain drug compounds that are antagonists of P2X purinoreceptors. [70] The following table provides an overview of these drug compounds and their interaction with purinergic receptors.
Herb | Drug compound | Physiologic effects on purinergic receptors |
Many |
| |
Ligusticum wallichii |
| |
Kudzu | ||
Rheum officinale | ||
Rhubarb | ||
Regadenoson, a vasodilator which acts on the adenosine A2A receptor, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2008 and is currently widely used in the field of cardiology. [78] [79] Both adenosine and dipyridamole, which act on the A2A receptor, are used in myocardial perfusion imaging. [80]
Purinergic signalling is an important regulatory mechanism in a wide range of inflammatory diseases. It is understood that shifting the balance between purinergic P1 and P2 signalling is an emerging therapeutic concept that aims to dampen pathologic inflammation and promote healing. [13] The following list of proposed medications is based on the workings of the purinergic signalling system:
The earliest reports of purinergic signalling date back to 1929, when the Hungarian physiologist Albert Szent-Györgyi observed that purified adenine compounds produced a temporary reduction in heart rate when injected into animals. [13] [83]
In the 1960s, the classical view of autonomic smooth muscle control was based upon Dale's principle, which asserts that each nerve cell can synthesize, store, and release only one neurotransmitter. It was therefore assumed that a sympathetic neuron releases noradrenaline only, while an antagonistic parasympathetic neuron releases acetylcholine only. Although the concept of cotransmission gradually gained acceptance in the 1980s, the belief that a single neuron acts via a single type of neurotransmitter continued to dominate the field of neurotransmission throughout the 1970s. [84]
Beginning in 1972, Geoffrey Burnstock ignited decades of controversy after he proposed the existence of a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) neurotransmitter, which he identified as ATP after observing the cellular responses in a number of systems exposed to the presence of cholinergic and adrenergic blockers. [85] [86] [87]
Burnstock's proposal was met with criticism, since ATP is an ubiquitous intracellular molecular energy source [88] so it seemed counter-intuitive that cells might also actively release this vital molecule as a neurotransmitter. After years of prolonged scepticism, however, the concept of purinergic signalling was gradually accepted by the scientific community. [1]
Today, purinergic signalling is no longer considered to be confined to neurotransmission, but is regarded as a general intercellular communication system of many, if not all, tissues. [1]
The adenosine receptors (or P1 receptors) are a class of purinergic G protein-coupled receptors with adenosine as the endogenous ligand. There are four known types of adenosine receptors in humans: A1, A2A, A2B and A3; each is encoded by a different gene.
Purinergic receptors, also known as purinoceptors, are a family of plasma membrane molecules that are found in almost all mammalian tissues. Within the field of purinergic signalling, these receptors have been implicated in learning and memory, locomotor and feeding behavior, and sleep. More specifically, they are involved in several cellular functions, including proliferation and migration of neural stem cells, vascular reactivity, apoptosis and cytokine secretion. These functions have not been well characterized and the effect of the extracellular microenvironment on their function is also poorly understood.
The P2X receptors, also ATP-gated P2X receptor cation channel family, is a protein family that consists of cation-permeable ligand-gated ion channels that open in response to the binding of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). They belong to a larger family of receptors known as the ENaC/P2X superfamily. ENaC and P2X receptors have similar 3-D structures and are homologous. P2X receptors are present in a diverse array of organisms including humans, mouse, rat, rabbit, chicken, zebrafish, bullfrog, fluke, and amoeba.
P2Y receptors are a family of purinergic G protein-coupled receptors, stimulated by nucleotides such as adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, uridine triphosphate, uridine diphosphate and UDP-glucose.To date, 8 P2Y receptors have been cloned in humans: P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13 and P2Y14.
Ectonucleotidases consist of families of nucleotide metabolizing enzymes that are expressed on the plasma membrane and have externally oriented active sites. These enzymes metabolize nucleotides to nucleosides. The contribution of ectonucleotidases in the modulation of purinergic signaling depends on the availability and preference of substrates and on cell and tissue distribution.
P2X purinoceptor 7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX7 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY1 gene.
P2X purinoceptor 1, also ATP receptor, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX1 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY2 gene.
Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 also known as CD39, is a typical cell surface enzyme with a catalytic site on the extracellular face.
Uracil nucleotide/cysteinyl leukotriene receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that in humans is encoded by the GPR17 gene located on chromosome 2 at position q21. The actual activating ligands for and some functions of this receptor are disputed.
P2Y purinoceptor 11 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY11 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 14 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY14 gene.
OXGR1, i.e., 2-oxoglutarate receptor 1 is a G protein-coupled receptor located on the surface membranes of certain cells. It functions by binding one of its ligands and thereby becoming active in triggering pre-programmed responses in its parent cells. OXGR1 has been shown to be activated by α-ketoglutarate, itaconate, and three cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes, leukotriene E4, LTC4, and LTD4. α-Ketoglutarate and itaconate are the dianionic forms of α-ketoglutaric acid and itaconic acid, respectively. α-Ketoglutaric and itaconic acids are short-chain dicarboxylic acids that have two carboxyl groups both of which are bound to hydrogen. However, at the basic pH levels in virtually all animal tissues, α-ketoglutaric acid and itaconic acid exit almost exclusively as α-ketoglutarate and itaconate, i.e., with their carboxy residues being negatively charged, because they are not bound to H+. It is α-ketoglutarate and itaconate, not α-ketoglutaric or itaconic acids, which activate OXGR1.
Putative P2Y purinoceptor 10 is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the P2RY10 gene.
P2Y purinoceptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RY4 gene.
P2 receptor may refer to:
P2X purinoceptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the P2RX4 gene. P2X purinoceptor 4 is a member of the P2X receptor family. P2X receptors are trimeric protein complexes that can be homomeric or heteromeric. These receptors are ligand-gated cation channels that open in response to ATP binding. Each receptor subtype, determined by the subunit composition, varies in its affinity to ATP and desensitization kinetics.
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules within cells that are a component of the innate immune response released from damaged or dying cells due to trauma or an infection by a pathogen. They are also known as danger signals, and alarmins because they serve as warning signs to alert the organism to any damage or infection to its cells. DAMPs are endogenous danger signals that are discharged to the extracellular space in response to damage to the cell from mechanical trauma or a pathogen. Once a DAMP is released from the cell, it promotes a noninfectious inflammatory response by binding to a pattern recognition receptor (PRR). Inflammation is a key aspect of the innate immune response; it is used to help mitigate future damage to the organism by removing harmful invaders from the affected area and start the healing process. As an example, the cytokine IL-1α is a DAMP that originates within the nucleus of the cell which, once released to the extracellular space, binds to the PRR IL-1R, which in turn initiates an inflammatory response to the trauma or pathogen that initiated the release of IL-1α. In contrast to the noninfectious inflammatory response produced by DAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) initiate and perpetuate the infectious pathogen-induced inflammatory response. Many DAMPs are nuclear or cytosolic proteins with defined intracellular function that are released outside the cell following tissue injury. This displacement from the intracellular space to the extracellular space moves the DAMPs from a reducing to an oxidizing environment, causing their functional denaturation, resulting in their loss of function. Outside of the aforementioned nuclear and cytosolic DAMPs, there are other DAMPs originated from different sources, such as mitochondria, granules, the extracellular matrix, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the plasma membrane.
The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), or ventromedial nucleus of the spinal cord, is a group of neurons located close to the midline on the floor of the medulla oblongata. The rostral ventromedial medulla sends descending inhibitory and excitatory fibers to the dorsal horn spinal cord neurons. There are 3 categories of neurons in the RVM: on-cells, off-cells, and neutral cells. They are characterized by their response to nociceptive input. Off-cells show a transitory decrease in firing rate right before a nociceptive reflex, and are theorized to be inhibitory. Activation of off-cells, either by morphine or by any other means, results in antinociception. On-cells show a burst of activity immediately preceding nociceptive input, and are theorized to be contributing to the excitatory drive. Neutral cells show no response to nociceptive input.
Cells release other nucleotides [for example, uridine triphosphate (UTP) and related molecules such as uridine diphosphate (UDP) sugars] that have actions akin to those of ATP
Extracellular adenosine contributes to the regulation of GFR. Renal interstitial adenosine is mainly derived from dephosphorylation of released ATP, AMP, or cAMP by the enzyme ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) (Le Hir and Kaissling, 1993). This enzyme catalyzes the dephosphorylation of 5′-AMP or 5′-IMP to adenosine or inosine, respectively, and is located primarily on the external membranes and mitochondria of proximal tubule cells, but not in distal tubule or collecting duct cells (Miller et al., 1978). ATP consumed in active transport by the macula densa also contributes to the formation of adenosine by 5- nucleotidase (Thomson et al., 2000). Extracellular adenosine activates A1 receptors on vascular afferent arteriolar smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasoconstriction and a reduction in GFR (Schnermann et al., 1990).
Acupuncture also has effects on local tissues, including mechanical stimulation of connective tissue, release of adenosine at the site of needle stimulation, and increases in local blood flow
in an elegant series of experiments, adenosine has been implicated as a mediator of acupuncture analgesia
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ignored (help)Anti-nociceptive effect of acupuncture requires A1 receptors
Antinociceptive effects of acupuncture require A1R activation
Tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine used as an analgesic for dysmenorrhea, was shown to block P2X3 receptor signaling
Natural compounds isolated from plants used in traditional medicines have also been shown to selectively inhibit the P2X7Rs
The study from Jelassi and colleagues further support these findings showing the efficacy of emodin, a Chinese traditional medicine compound, in reducing P2X7 mediated malignant progression.
Chrysophanol, a member of the anthraquinone family that is one of the components of a Chinese herb including rhubarb recommended for the treatment of cancer, induces necrosis of J5 human liver cancer cells via reduction in ATP levels