P2Y nucleotide receptors: promise of therapeutic applications.

Extracellular nucleotides, such as ATP and UTP, have distinct signaling roles through a class of G-protein-coupled receptors, termed P2Y. The receptor ligands are typically charged molecules of low bioavailability and stability in vivo. Recent progress in the development of selective agonists and antagonists for P2Y receptors and study of knockout mice have led to new drug concepts based on these receptors. The rapidly accelerating progress in this field has already resulted in drug candidates for cystic fibrosis, dry eye disease and thrombosis. On the horizon are novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases and neurodegeneration.