title: The unexpected evolution of basic science studies about cyclic nucleotide action into a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
abstract: In these Reflections, I describe my perceived role in discoveries made in the cyclic nucleotide field that culminated in the advent of PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. The discoveries emphasize the critical role of basic science, which often evolves in unpredictable and circuitous paths, in improving human health.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee 37232 jackie.corbin@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Corbin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry*; D013714:Tennessee; D014495:Universities
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5
keywords: Cyclic AMP (cAMP); Cyclic GMP (cGMP); Phosphodiesterases; Protein Kinase A (PKA); Protein Kinase G (PKG)