Purinergic Receptor P2X, Ligand Gated Ion Channel 3 (P2RX3)

P2X purinoceptor 3 belongs to the family of purinoceptors for ATP. This receptor functions as a ligand-gated ion channel and may transduce ATP-evoked nociceptor activation. Mouse studies suggest that this receptor is important for peripheral pain responses, and also participates in pathways controlling urinary bladder volume reflexes. It is possible that the development of selective antagonists for this receptor may have a therapeutic potential in pain relief and in the treatment of disorders of urine storage.

The P2X3 subunit has 43% and 47% identity with P2X1 and P2X2 , respectively; 10 cysteine residues are conserved in all 3 subtypes, so that tertiary structures may also be conserved.