soluble guanylyl cyclases
Soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGCs) are enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular signaling. They convert guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a secondary messenger involved in various physiological processes, including vasodilation and neurotransmission. sGCs are activated by nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in response to various stimuli.
These enzymes are found in many tissues, including the cardiovascular system and the nervous system. The increase in cGMP levels leads to a cascade of cellular responses, influencing smooth muscle relaxation and blood flow. Dysregulation of sGC activity can contribute to various diseases, making them potential targets for therapeutic interventions.