Ectonucleosides

Ectonucleosides are nucleosides that are located on the extracellular side of cell membranes. They are typically bound to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, which is a lipid moiety embedded in the cell membrane. Ectonucleosides play important roles in cell signaling and communication. They can act as ligands for cell surface receptors, triggering intracellular signaling pathways that regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses. Ectonucleosides can also be released from the cell surface into the extracellular space, where they can act as signaling molecules that affect neighboring cells or distant tissues. The specific functions of ectonucleosides are diverse and depend on the particular nucleoside and the cell type in which they are expressed. For example, some ectonucleosides have been shown to modulate inflammation, while others are involved in neuronal signaling. Research into ectonucleosides is ongoing, with potential therapeutic applications being explored in areas such as cancer treatment and autoimmune diseases.