P2X2/P2RX2 belongs to the family of purinoceptors for ATP. It functions as a ligand-gated ion channel. Purinergic receptors are also expressed in spinal cord neurons and are known to cross-talk with GABA(A)Rs. Binding to ATP mediates synaptic transmission between neurons and from neurons to smooth muscle. Six transcript variants encoding six distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene.