Phosphodiesterase (PDE)

Definition

Phosphodiesterase is an enzyme that breaks down the phosphodiester bonds within cyclic nucleotides, such as cAMP and cGMP, which play crucial roles in cellular signaling pathways, including those regulated by hormones. This action effectively terminates the signal provided by these molecules, ensuring that cellular responses are appropriately modulated.

Related terms

cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate): A second messenger important in many biological processes, transmitting signals from hormones outside the cell to its interior.

Hormone Signaling: The process by which hormones communicate with cells to regulate physiology and behavior, involving reception, signal transduction, and cellular response.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most often involving protein modification