CGMP protein

The molecular structure of the K a channel in smooth muscle is not known, although based on functional similarities, it would be expected to be a member of the mSlo family. K g channels seem to integrate many vasoactive signals that activate many important signal transduction pathways. The relative importance and regulation of Kca channels through cGMP-protein kinase, cAMP-protein kinase, or direct G-pro-tein activation pathways will be the subject of future research. 

The ANP leceptoi exists in two forms, ANP and ANPg, both of which have been cloned. These membrane-bound guanylate cyclases have a single transmembrane domain, an intracellular protein kinase-like domain, and a catalytic cyclase domain, activation of which results in the accumulation of cychc guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). A third receptor subtype (ANP ) has been identified that does not have intrinsic guanylate cyclase activity and may play a role in the clearance of ANP. 

These enzymes are activated by the binding of cAMP or cGMP. When activated, cAKs and cGKs phosphorylate specific serine or threonine residues in target proteins control the activity of these proteins. 

Synthesized by soluble guanylyl cyclase and particulate guanylyl cyclase from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Nitric oxide activates soluble guanylyl cyclase to enhance cyclic GMP production that contributes to various NO actions. Cyclic GMP is hydrolyzed by phosphodiesterases. Cyclic GMP binds to and activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase, phosphodiesterases, and Cyclic Nucleotide-regulated Cation Channels. 

Cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) are formed enzymatically from the corresponding triphosphates. As ubiquitous second messengers, they mediate many cellular functions which are initiated by first (extracellular) messengers. Their prime targets in eucaryotic cells are protein kinases ( cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase), ion channels and ensymes. 

Pertussis toxin is produced by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It covalently modifies G-proteins of the G/Go family (transfer of a ADP-ribose moiety of NAD onto G-protein a-subunits). ADP-ribosylated G-proteins are arrested in their inactive state and, as a consequence, functionally uncoupled from their respective effectors. Examples for pertussis toxin-sensitive cellular responses include the hormonal inhibition of adenylyl cyclases, stimulation ofK+ channels, inhibition of Ca2+ channels and stimulation ofthe cGMP-phosphodiesterase in retinal rods. 

The major relaxing transmitters are those that elevate the cAMP or cGMP concentration (Fig. 3). Adenosine stimulates the activity of cAMP kinase. The next step is not clear, but evidence has been accumulated that cAMP kinase decreases the calcium sensitivity of the contractile machinery. In vitro, cAMP kinase phosphorylated MLCK and decreased thereby the affinity of MLCK for calcium-calmodulin. However, this regulation does not occur in intact smooth muscle. Possible other substrate candidates for cAMP kinase are the heat stable protein HSP 20, (A heat stable protein of 20 kDa that is phosphorylated by cGMP kinase. It has been postulated that phospho-HSP 20 interferes with the interaction between actin and myosin allowing thereby smooth muscle relaxation without dephosphorylation of the rMLC.) Rho A and MLCP that are phosphorylated also by cGMP kinase I (Fig. 3). 

Hofmann F, Feil R, Kleppisch T et al (2006) Function of cGMP-dependent protein kinases as revealed by gene deletion. Physiol Rev 86 1-23. 

Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding Protein Cyclic GMP-dependent Protein Kinase Cyclic GMP-regulated Phosphodiesterases Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (Cyclic GMP cGMP)... 

Figure 10. The G-protein cascades in smooth muscle catalyze the exchange GDP for GTP on G-protein. Following the binding of GTP, the trimeric G-protein splits into an a-GTP part and a P-y part. The a-GTP part ordinarily then combines with its specific apoenzyme to constitute the active enzyme. For the activation of the contractile activation path, the enzyme is phospholipase C and the second messenger products are IP3 and DAG. The IP3 in the myoplasm binds to Ca channels in the SR membrane, opening them. Other second messengers include the inhibitors of contractile activity, cGMP and cAMP.

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