P2Y purinoceptor 6 (P2Y6) (P2Y6)

The P2Y purinoceptor 6 (P2Y6) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is primarily activated by the extracellular nucleotide uridine diphosphate (UDP) (UniProt P41231). It belongs to the P2Y receptor family and is coupled to the Gq/11 protein, leading to the activation of phospholipase C and subsequent intracellular calcium mobilization (IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY). P2Y6 is widely expressed in various tissues, including the immune system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system, where it plays a critical role in mediating inflammatory responses, phagocytosis by microglia, and vascular smooth muscle contraction (Koizumi et al., 2007, Nature). In disease contexts, overactivation of P2Y6 has been linked to chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and asthma, as well as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (Wen et al., 2020, Frontiers in Pharmacology). Consequently, P2Y6 has emerged as a therapeutic target, with antagonists like MRS2578 and GC021109 being explored for their potential to reduce neuroinflammation and vascular dysfunction (NIH/PubMed).

Other names

P2RY6Purinergic receptor P2Y6UDP receptorP2Y purinoceptor 6

Agonism or antagonism of the P2Y6 receptor to modulate Gq-protein signaling, phospholipase C activation, and intracellular calcium release, thereby influencing inflammatory and vascular processes.