Characterization of “mini-nucleotides” as P2X receptor agonists in rat cardiomyocyte cultures. An integrated synthetic, biochemical, and theoretical study
The design and synthesis of “mini-nucleotides”, based on a xanthine-alkyl phosphate scaffold, are described. The physiological effects of the new compounds were evaluated in rat cardiac cell culture regarding Ca2+ elevation and contractility. The results indicate biochemical and physiological profiles similar to those of ATP, although at higher concentrations. The biological target molecules of these “mini-nucleotides” were identified ...