Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (pronounced as: SI-klik ad-uh-NOH-seen mon-uh-FOS-fayt), often abbreviated as cAMP or 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, is a derivative of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and used for intracellular signal transduction in many different organisms.
Etymology
The term "cyclic adenosine monophosphate" is derived from its chemical structure. It consists of an adenosine molecule attached to a phosphate group, and the molecule is cyclic because the phosphate group is bonded to two of the adenosine's carbon atoms, forming a ring.
Function
cAMP is a second messenger, used for intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring into cells the effects of hormones like glucagon and adrenaline, which cannot pass through the plasma membrane. It is also involved in the activation of protein kinases and regulates the effects of adrenaline and glucagon. cAMP also binds to and regulates the function of ion channels such as the HCN channels and a few other cyclic nucleotide-binding proteins like Epac1 and RAPGEF2.
Synthesis and Degradation
cAMP is synthesized from ATP by adenylate cyclase located on the inner side of the plasma membrane. Adenylate cyclase is activated by a range of signaling molecules through the activation of adenylate cyclase stimulatory G (Gs)-protein-coupled receptors. cAMP is degraded into AMP by the enzyme phosphodiesterase.
Related Terms
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