title: cGMP-dependent protein kinases and cGMP phosphodiesterases in nitric oxide and cGMP action.
abstract: To date, studies suggest that biological signaling by nitric oxide (NO) is primarily mediated by cGMP, which is synthesized by NO-activated guanylyl cyclases and broken down by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Effects of cGMP occur through three main groups of cellular targets: cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), cGMP-gated cation channels, and PDEs. cGMP binding activates PKG, which phosphorylates serines and threonines on many cellular proteins, frequently resulting in changes in activity or function, subcellular localization, or regulatory features. The proteins that are so modified by PKG commonly regulate calcium homeostasis, calcium sensitivity of cellular proteins, platelet activation and adhesion, smooth muscle contraction, cardiac function, gene expression, feedback of the NO-signaling pathway, and other processes. Current therapies that have successfully targeted the NO-signaling pathway include nitrovasodilators (nitroglycerin), PDE5 inhibitors [sildenafil (Viagra and Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis and Adcirca)] for treatment of a number of vascular diseases including angina pectoris, erectile dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension; the PDE3 inhibitors [cilostazol (Pletal) and milrinone (Primacor)] are used for treatment of intermittent claudication and acute heart failure, respectively. Potential for use of these medications in the treatment of other maladies continues to emerge.
authors: Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, USA. sharron.francis@vanderbilt.edu
authors: Sharron H
authors: SH
authors: Francis
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Busch
authors: Jackie D
authors: JD
authors: Corbin
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Sibley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000502:physiology*; D017869:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D017869:Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; D006152:Cyclic GMP