Cgmp

cGMP

cGMP (pronounced as "see-GMP"), or cyclic guanosine monophosphate, is a cyclic nucleotide derived from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). cGMP acts as a second messenger much like cyclic AMP, most notably by activating intracellular protein kinases in response to the binding of membrane-impermeant peptide hormones to the external cell surface.

Etymology

The term "cGMP" is an acronym for "cyclic Guanosine MonoPhosphate". The "cyclic" refers to the cyclic nature of the phosphate group, and "Guanosine MonoPhosphate" refers to the base molecule.

Function

cGMP is involved in several biological processes, including the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone, neurotransmission, cell proliferation and differentiation, and the perception of some types of sensory stimuli. It acts as a mediator in the nitric oxide pathway and is involved in vision in the retina.

Related Terms

• Guanosine triphosphate (GTP): The molecule from which cGMP is derived.
• Protein kinase: An enzyme that cGMP activates.
• Nitric oxide: A molecule that uses cGMP as a second messenger.
• Phosphodiesterase: An enzyme that breaks down cGMP.

See Also

• Cyclic AMP
• Second messenger system
• Signal transduction

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