Insights into cGMP signalling derived from cGMP kinase knockout mice.
cGMP signalling plays an important physiological role in diverse organs including the vasculature, the GI-tract and the nervous system. Furthermore, cGMP-elevating substances such as glyceryl trinitrate are important drugs used in cardiovascular diseases. Physiologically, cGMP synthesis is induced by nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides through the stimulation of guanylyl cyclases. Major mediators of cGMP signalling are the cGMP-dependent protein kinases type I and II (cGKI and cGKII). The functional significance of each kinase type in diverse organs was determined using total and tissue-specific cGKI- and cGKII-deficient mice. These studies established that cGKI plays a major role in the regulation of the cardiovascular and the gastrointestinal system, hippocampal and cerebellar learning and pain perception. cGKII is involved in intestinal water secretion, bone growth and circardian rhythmicity. The cGK mutant mice are important tools to obtain detailed insights into cGMP-mediated signalling pathways in health and disease.
Schlossmann
Jens
J
Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University Munich, Biedersteiner Strasse 29, 80802 Munich, Germany. Schlossmann@ipt.med.tu-muenchen.de <Schlossmann@ipt.med.tu-muenchen.de>
Feil
Robert
R
Hofmann
Franz
F
D000818:Animals; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000502:physiology*; D062965:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I; D062967:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II; D017869:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D062965:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I; D062967:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II; D017869:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; C569718:PRKG1 protein, human; C569729:PRKG2 protein, human; C569720:Prkg1 protein, mouse; C569730:Prkg2 protein, mouse; D006152:Cyclic GMP