adenosine receptor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to an adenosine receptor. [GOC:mah, GOC:nln]

Adenosine receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that bind adenosine, a nucleoside found in all cells. Adenosine receptors are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including neurotransmission, inflammation, and cardiovascular regulation.

When adenosine binds to an adenosine receptor, it activates a signaling pathway that leads to the production of second messengers, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP). cAMP can then activate a variety of downstream effectors, including protein kinases, which can alter the activity of other proteins in the cell.

The molecular function of adenosine receptor binding is complex and involves a number of different steps. First, adenosine must bind to the receptor, which is a transmembrane protein with seven transmembrane domains. The binding of adenosine to the receptor triggers a conformational change in the receptor protein, which then interacts with a G protein.

G proteins are heterotrimeric proteins composed of α, β, and γ subunits. The α subunit of the G protein is bound to GDP in its inactive state. When the receptor binds to adenosine, it causes the α subunit to exchange GDP for GTP. The GTP-bound α subunit then dissociates from the βγ subunits and interacts with downstream effectors, such as adenylyl cyclase.

Adenylyl cyclase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP. cAMP is a second messenger that can activate a variety of downstream effectors, including protein kinase A (PKA). PKA can then phosphorylate a variety of proteins, altering their activity.

The specific signaling pathway that is activated by adenosine receptor binding depends on the type of adenosine receptor involved. There are four main types of adenosine receptors: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Each of these receptors has a unique pharmacological profile and signaling pathway.

The binding of adenosine to adenosine receptors has a variety of physiological effects. For example, adenosine receptor activation can:

* Inhibit the release of neurotransmitters
* Reduce inflammation
* Dilate blood vessels
* Reduce heart rate
* Induce sleep

The physiological effects of adenosine receptor binding are mediated by the activation of downstream signaling pathways. These pathways can have a variety of effects on cellular function, including the regulation of gene expression, protein synthesis, and cell growth and differentiation.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)