The P2X purinergic receptor (purinoceptor) gene family which includes seven members (P2RX1 - P2RX7). The P2X receptor family is comprised of ligand-gated ion channels that allow for the increased permeability of calcium into the cell in response to extracellular ATP. The major function of the P2X receptors is to mediate synaptic transmissions between neurons and to other tissues via the binding of extracellular ATP, which acts as a neurotransmitter.
