Adenylyl cyclase
Definition
Adenylyl cyclase is an enzyme found in cell membranes that converts ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). This process is essential for the signal transduction pathways initiated by many hormones and neurotransmitters.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Adenylyl cyclase is activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) upon hormone binding.
- cAMP produced by adenylyl cyclase acts as a second messenger in cellular signaling pathways.
- There are multiple isoforms of adenylyl cyclase, each with distinct regulatory properties.
- Inhibition or mutation of adenylyl cyclase can disrupt normal hormonal signaling and lead to disease.
- Protein kinase A (PKA) is one of the primary effectors activated by cAMP.
Review Questions
- What role does adenylyl cyclase play in hormone signal transduction?
- How does the activation of GPCRs influence adenylyl cyclase activity?
- What are some potential consequences of defective adenylyl cyclase activity?
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Related terms
GProteinCoupledReceptor(GPCR): A type of receptor that activates intracellular signaling pathways through G proteins when bound by a ligand.
CyclicAMP(cAMP): A secondary messenger important in many biological processes, it is synthesized from ATP by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase.
ProteinKinaseA(PKA): An enzyme that becomes active when bound to cAMP and phosphorylates various target proteins within the cell.
