Premium
Biology of purinergic signalling: Its ancient evolutionary roots, its omnipresence and its multiple functional significance
Author(s) -
Verkhratsky Alexei,
Burnstock Geoffrey
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.201400024
Subject(s) - purinergic receptor , purinergic signalling , microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular , adenosine , biology , cell signaling , signalling , signalling pathways , adenosine receptor , signal transduction , biochemistry , receptor , agonist
The purinergic signalling system, which utilises ATP, related nucleotides and adenosine as transmitter molecules, appeared very early in evolution: release mechanisms and ATP‐degrading enzymes are operative in bacteria, and the first specific receptors are present in single cell eukaryotic protozoa and algae. Further evolution of the purinergic signalling system resulted in the development of multiple classes of purinoceptors, several pathways for release of nucleotides and adenosine, and a system of ectonucleotidases controlling extracellular levels of purinergic transmitters. The purinergic signalling system is expressed in virtually all types of tissues and cells, where it mediates numerous physiological reactions and contributes to pathological responses in a variety of diseases.