PURINERGIC Meaning and
Definition
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Purinergic refers to a biological system or process that involves the utilization of purines, a type of organic compound composed of nitrogen and carbon atoms arranged in a specific molecular structure including one or more rings. The term purinergic is derived from the word "purine," which is the base molecule typically found in nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
In the context of biology and medicine, purinergic signaling or purinergic system refer to the communication and regulation processes within and between cells mediated by molecules called purines, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its breakdown products like adenosine. These purine molecules are released from cells under various physiological conditions, acting as signaling molecules that bind to specific purinergic receptors on target cells.
The purinergic system plays a critical role in numerous physiological functions, including neurotransmission, immune responses, vasodilation, pain perception, and the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and death. Dysregulation of purinergic signaling has been linked to the development of several pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer.
In summary, purinergic refers to the involvement of purines and purine-derived molecules in cellular signaling and the physiological functions they control. The study of purinergic signaling mechanisms is essential for understanding various biological processes and developing therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with perturbations in this system.
Common Misspellings for PURINERGIC
- ourinergic
- lurinergic
- -urinergic
- 0urinergic
- pyrinergic
- phrinergic
- pjrinergic
- pirinergic
- p8rinergic
- p7rinergic
- pueinergic
- pudinergic
- pufinergic
- putinergic
- pu5inergic
- pu4inergic
- purunergic
- purjnergic
- purknergic
- puronergic
Etymology of PURINERGIC
The word "purinergic" is derived from the term "purine", which refers to a type of organic compound. Purines are heterocyclic aromatic compounds that contain nitrogen atoms. One well-known purine is adenine, which is a building block of DNA and RNA.
The term "purinergic" was coined by Geoffrey Burnstock, a British pharmacologist, in the 1970s to describe the signaling activity of purine-related molecules in the body. He noticed that various purines, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine, play important roles in cellular communication and signaling.
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