P2Y12reseptorin

The P2Y12 receptor is a cell surface receptor that plays a crucial role in platelet activation. It belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and is primarily activated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). ADP is released from dense granules of activated platelets and also from damaged red blood cells.

Upon binding of ADP, the P2Y12 receptor triggers a signaling cascade within the platelet. This cascade involves the activation of adenylyl cyclase, leading to a decrease in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This reduction in cAMP is essential for promoting platelet aggregation and degranulation. The P2Y12 receptor is considered a key player in the formation of blood clots, a process vital for hemostasis but also implicated in pathological thrombosis.

Due to its central role in platelet function, the P2Y12 receptor has become a significant target for antiplatelet drugs. Inhibitors of the P2Y12 receptor, such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, particularly in patients undergoing procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention. These drugs work by blocking ADP from binding to the P2Y12 receptor, thereby reducing platelet aggregation.