Purinergic signaling in diabetes and metabolism

Purinergic signaling, a concept originally formulated by the late Geoffrey Burnstock (1929?2020), was found to modulate pathways in every physiological system. In metabolic disorders there is a role for both adenosine receptors and P2 (nucleotide) receptors, of which there are two classes, i.e. P2Y metabotropic and P2X ionotropic receptors. The individual roles of the 19 receptors encompassed by this family have been dissected ? and in many cases the effects associated with specific cell types, including adipocytes, skeletal muscle, liver cells and immune cells. It is suggested that ligands selective for each of the four adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B and A3), and several of the P2 subtypes (e.g. P2Y6 or P2X7 antagonists) might have therapeutic potential for treating diabetes and obesity. This is a developing story with some conflicting conclusions relevant to drug discovery, which we summarize here.

Automated summary

Purinergic signaling, originally proposed by Geoffrey Burnstock, plays a crucial role in modulating pathways in various physiological systems. Adenosine receptors and P2 nucleotide receptors are involved in metabolic disorders, affecting specific cell types like adipocytes, skeletal muscle, liver cells, and immune cells. Selective ligands for adenosine and P2 receptors may have therapeutic potential for diabetes and obesity, but conflicting conclusions exist in drug discovery related to this topic.