P2 receptor

P2 receptor is a type of purinergic receptor, which are a family of G protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion channels found in various types of tissues. P2 receptors are activated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP).

Classification

P2 receptors are classified into two subtypes: P2X and P2Y receptors.

• P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, which are activated by ATP. There are seven known subtypes of P2X receptors, labeled P2X1 to P2X7.
• P2Y receptors are G protein-coupled receptors, which are activated by ATP, ADP, uridine triphosphate (UTP), and uridine diphosphate (UDP). There are eight known subtypes of P2Y receptors, labeled P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13, and P2Y14.

Function

P2 receptors play a crucial role in a variety of biological processes, including neurotransmission, inflammation, apoptosis, and platelet aggregation. They are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, immune response, and pain perception. P2 receptors are also implicated in a number of diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Therapeutic potential

Due to their involvement in various diseases, P2 receptors are considered potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Several drugs that target P2 receptors are currently under development, including P2X7 receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic pain and inflammatory diseases, and P2Y12 receptor antagonists for the prevention of thrombosis.

See also

• Purinergic signalling
• Adenosine receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor