Structure of Purinergic P2Y₁₂ receptors and some aspects of their biochemistry

Abstract

The goal of this study is to develop a more rigorous under- standing of the P2Y₁₂ receptor first described in blood platelets where it plays a central role in the complex processes of activation and aggregation. P2Y₁₂ receptors are 7-mem- brane-spanning proteins coupled to G proteins, which are activated by nucleotides, extracellular signaling molecules that are released from damaged cells or secreted via non- lytic mechanisms during inflammatory, ischemic, and hypoxic conditions. It is the drug targets for inhibition of platelet aggregation