P2X receptors as cell-surface ATP sensors in health and disease.
P2X receptors are membrane ion channels activated by the binding of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). For years their functional significance was consigned to distant regions of the autonomic nervous system, but recent work indicates several further key roles, such as afferent signalling, chronic pain, and in autocrine loops of endothelial and epithelial cells. P2X receptors have a molecular architecture distinct from other ion channel protein families, and have several unique functional properties.
Khakh
Baljit S
BS
Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK. bkhakh@mednet.ucla.edu
North
R Alan
RA
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004194:Disease; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D058469:Receptors, Purinergic P2X
D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058469:Receptors, Purinergic P2X; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate