Guanylyl Cyclase
Guanylyl Cyclase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. It converts GTP (guanosine triphosphate) into cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a secondary messenger that helps regulate various physiological processes, including smooth muscle relaxation and neurotransmission.
There are two main types of guanylyl cyclase: soluble guanylyl cyclase and membrane guanylyl cyclase. Soluble guanylyl cyclase is activated by nitric oxide, while membrane guanylyl cyclase is activated by specific ligands, such as natriuretic peptides. Both types are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and regulating blood pressure.