2-Methylthioadenosine triphosphate

2-Methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2-MeSATP) is a modified form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a crucial molecule in biochemistry and cell biology. ATP is known as the "molecular currency" of intracellular energy transfer. 2-MeSATP is of particular interest in the study of purinergic signaling and receptor pharmacology.

Structure and Properties

2-Methylthioadenosine triphosphate is a derivative of ATP where a methylthio group is attached to the 2-position of the adenine ring. This modification alters the molecule's interaction with certain purinergic receptors, making it a useful tool in pharmacological studies.

The chemical structure of 2-MeSATP can be represented as follows:

• Molecular formula: C₁₁H₁₈N₅O₁₃P₃S
• Molecular weight: 523.26 g/mol

Biological Role

2-MeSATP is primarily used in research to study the function of P2Y receptors, a class of G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by nucleotides such as ATP and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). These receptors are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including platelet aggregation, smooth muscle contraction, and neurotransmission.

Purinergic Signaling

Purinergic signaling refers to the cellular communication processes mediated by purine nucleotides and nucleosides, such as ATP and adenosine. 2-MeSATP is a potent agonist for certain subtypes of P2Y receptors, particularly P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂. These interactions are crucial for understanding the role of purinergic signaling in health and disease.

Applications in Research

2-MeSATP is widely used in pharmacological research to:

• Investigate the specificity and function of P2Y receptors.
• Study the mechanisms of signal transduction in cells.
• Explore the potential therapeutic targets for diseases involving purinergic signaling, such as thrombosis, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Synthesis and Availability

The synthesis of 2-MeSATP involves the chemical modification of ATP, typically through the introduction of a methylthio group at the 2-position of the adenine moiety. This process requires specialized chemical techniques and is usually carried out in research laboratories or by specialized chemical suppliers.

Safety and Handling

As with many biochemical reagents, 2-MeSATP should be handled with care. It is important to follow appropriate safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper storage conditions, to prevent degradation and ensure accurate experimental results.

Also see

• Adenosine triphosphate
• Purinergic receptor
• Signal transduction
• G protein-coupled receptor