Phosphodiesterases

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a family of related phosphohydrolyases that selectively catalyze the hydrolysis of 3' cyclic phosphate bonds in adenosine and/or guanine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP and/or cGMP). They regulate the cellular levels, localization and duration of action of these second messengers by controlling the rate of their degradation.

There are 11 subtypes of PDEs, named PDE1-11; PDE4, 7 and 8 selectively degrade cAMP, PDE5, 6 and 9 selectively degrade cGMP and PDE1, 2, 3, 10 and 11 degrade both cyclic nucleotides. PDEs are expressed ubiquitously, with each subtype having a specific tissue distribution. These enzymes are involved in many signal transduction pathways and their functions include vascular smooth muscle proliferation and contraction, cardiac contractility, platelet aggregation, hormone secretion, immune cell activation, and they are involved in learning and memory.

External sources of pharmacological information for Phosphodiesterases :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Phosphodiesterase Gene Data