Purinergic Receptor P2X, Ligand Gated Ion Channel 2 (P2RX2)

P2X Purinoceptor 2 belongs to the family of purinoceptors for ATP. This receptor functions as a ligand-gated ion channel. Binding to ATP mediates synaptic transmission between neurons and from neurons to smooth muscle. Six transcript variants encoding six distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene.

The full-length cDNA encoded a predicted 471-amino acid protein that was 68% identical to rat P2X2. Northern blot analysis detected a major mRNA species of approximately 2.4 kb in pancreas; extended exposure detected faint bands of the same size in heart and brain. Two of 4 isolated cDNAs representing splice variants expressed in Xenopus oocytes encoded functional ion channels.