Phosphodiesterase

Phosphodiesterase (pronunciation: /ˌfɒsfəˈdaɪɛstəreɪz/) is a type of enzyme that plays a crucial role in various biological processes.

Etymology

The term "Phosphodiesterase" is derived from the type of bond (a phosphodiester bond) that the enzyme cleaves.

Function

Phosphodiesterases function to break down phosphodiester bonds in molecules like cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which play significant roles in cell signaling and cellular communication.

Types

There are eleven families of phosphodiesterases, PDE1 - PDE11, each with distinct properties, functions, and tissue distributions. These families are further divided into subtypes, such as PDE4A, PDE4B, etc.

Clinical significance

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, like sildenafil (Viagra), are commonly used in the treatment of various diseases, including erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. They work by preventing the breakdown of cAMP or cGMP, thereby enhancing the effects of these molecules.

Related terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Phosphodiesterase
Wikipedia's article - Phosphodiesterase

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Phosphodiesterase