An Update on P2Y Receptor Signalling and Function.

The distribution of nucleotide P2Y receptors across different tissues suggests that they fulfil key roles in a number of physiological and pathological conditions. P2Y is one of the latest P2Y receptors identified, a novel member of the Gi-coupled P2Y receptor subfamily that responds to ADP, together with P2Y and P2Y. Pharmacological studies drew attention to this new ADP receptor, with a pharmacology that overlaps that of P2Y receptors but with unique features and roles. The P2RY12-14 genes all reside on human chromosome 3 at 3q25.1 and their strong sequence homology supports their evolutionary origin through gene duplication. Polymorphisms of P2Y receptors have been reported in different human populations, yet their consequences remain unknown. The P2Y receptor is versatile in its signalling, extending beyond the canonical signalling of a Gi-coupled receptor. Not only can it couple to different G proteins (Gs/Gq) but the P2Y receptor can also trigger several intracellular pathways related to the activation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 axis. Moreover, the availability of P2Y receptor knockout mice has highlighted the specific functions in which it is involved, mainly in the regulation of cholesterol and glucose metabolism, bone homeostasis and aspects of central nervous system function like pain transmission and neuroprotection. This review summarizes our current understanding of this elusive receptor, not only at the pharmacological and molecular level but also, in terms of its signalling properties and specific functions, helping to clarify the involvement of P2Y receptors in pathological situations.