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World J Stem Cells. Apr 26, 2014; 6(2): 153-162
Published online Apr 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.153
Published online Apr 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.153
Purinergic receptors and nucleotide processing ectoenzymes: Their roles in regulating mesenchymal stem cell functions
Sonia Scarfì, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
Author contributions: Scarfì S solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Sonia Scarfì, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy. soniascarfi@unige.it
Telephone: +39-010-35338227 Fax: +39-010-35338227
Received: October 28, 2013
Revised: February 26, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: April 26, 2014
Processing time: 181 Days and 16.4 Hours
Revised: February 26, 2014
Accepted: March 11, 2014
Published online: April 26, 2014
Processing time: 181 Days and 16.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: The multifaceted aspects of extracellular nucleotide metabolism (mainly ATP and β-NAD) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) surface has been addressed by basic researchers only recently, sometimes revealing unexpected pivotal roles for these molecules in specifying differentiation lineages and modulating MSC physiology and communication with other cells. This review discusses the roles of extracellular nucleotides, their receptors and ectoenzymes, and the relevance of their signaling network and MSC functions, and also focuses on the importance of this emerging area of interest for future MSC-based cell therapies.