Title:The ATP-dependent Pathways and Human Diseases
Volume: 30
Issue: 11
Author(s): Justyna Suwara, Ewa Radzikowska-Cieciura, Arkadiusz Chworos and Roza Pawlowska*
Affiliation:
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363, Lodz, Poland
Keywords:
ATP, adenosine triphosphate, ATP-dependent pathways, purinergic signaling, nervous system, cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is one of the most important molecules of life,
present both inside the cells and extracellularly. It is an essential building block for nucleic
acids biosynthesis and crucial intracellular energy storage. However, one of the most
interesting functions of ATP is the role of a signaling molecule. Numerous studies indicate
the involvement of ATP-dependent pathways in maintaining the proper functioning
of individual tissues and organs. Herein, the latest data indicating the ATP function in the
network of intra- and extracellular signaling pathways including purinergic signaling,
MAP kinase pathway, mTOR and calcium signaling are collected. The main ATP-dependent
processes maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and immune
systems, as well as skin and bones, are summarized. The disturbances in the ATP
amount, its cellular localization, or interaction with target elements may induce pathological
changes in signaling pathways leading to the development of serious diseases. The impact
of an ATP imbalance on the development of dangerous health dysfunctions such as
neurodegeneration diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus, obesity,
cancers and immune pathogenesis are discussed here.