About this Research Topic
Purinergic signaling mediated by extracellular nucleotides (ATP/ADP/UTP) and adenosine, and regulated by ectonucleotidases (ENTDPases, NPPs, CD73), and nucleotide transporters (pannexins, connexins) is at the forefront of research on physiology and pathophysiology of many disease conditions, and offers novel drug targets. Obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome have reached epidemic proportions throughout the world, affecting both developed and developing countries. The individual and national health care and economic burden of these conditions is huge. In parallel, the prevalence of childhood obesity is rising with 3/4th of the obese children living in the developing world. The myriad of health consequences of overweight and obesity affect the people during the most productive phase of their lives. Although overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome are theoretically preventable conditions, in practice it is hard to achieve the desired goal for various reasons. Recent studies unraveled the potential roles of various components of purinergic signaling in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Hence, understanding the mechanisms by which purinergic signaling plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of these conditions may offer novel targets for the treatment or even prevention. Thus, the goal of this Research Topic is to present up-to-date and state-of-the-art information, knowledge, and insights into the roles of the components of the purinergic signaling in the development of obesity (adipogenesis, adipocyte metabolism, inflammation in adipose tissue etc.), diabetes mellitus (insulin resistance, insulin signaling, glucose transporters and metabolism, etc.) and metabolic syndrome (energy homeostasis and thermogenesis). Within these boundaries, this Research Topic has broad scope for submission of Original Research, Reviews, Opinions, and Hypothesis and Theory articles. The focus of such contributions can be on the purinergic receptors (P2X or P2Y or P1) or ectonucleotidases (CD39, NPPs, CD73), nucleotide transporters, equilibrative nucleoside transporters, and other closely-related, but not explicitly mentioned, topics. The goal is to produce a comprehensive, up-to-date and one-stop source of the current knowledge and information on the roles of purinergic signaling in obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome
Keywords: Extracellular Nucleotides, Extracellular Adenosine, P2 receptors, Ectonucleotidases, P1 receptors
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