P2Y receptors are intrinsic plasma membrane proteins that mediate functional responses of intact cells to extracellular nucleotides, including adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, uridine triphosphate, uridine diphosphate, and UDP-glucose. P2Y receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. In response to the binding of extracellular nucleotides, P2Y receptors undergo conformational changes that facilitate their direct interaction with, and activation of, G proteins. In turn, the activated G proteins couple P2Y receptors to the regulation of enzymes and ion channels that facilitate generation of second messengers and intracellular signaling cascades used for the acute or chronic regulation of specific cellular functions.
