2008/10/27 by Rachna Sadana, Carmen Dessauer · 3 citations
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Nitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects #Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.1159/000166277
openalex publication_date 2008/10/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Cyclic AMP is a universal second messenger, produced by a family of adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzymes. The last three decades have brought a wealth of new information about the regulation of cyclic AMP production by ACs. Nine hormone-sensitive, membrane-bound AC isoforms have been identified in addition to a tenth isoform that lacks membrane spans and more closely resembles the cyanobacterial AC enzymes. New model systems for purifying and characterizing the catalytic domains of AC have led to the crystal structure of these domains and the mapping of numerous interaction sites. However, big hurdles remain in unraveling the roles of individual AC isoforms and their regulation in physiological systems. In this review we explore the latest on AC knockout and overexpression studies to better understand the roles of G protein regulation of ACs in the brain, olfactory bulb, and heart.