Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases: Functional Implications of Multiple
Isoforms.
Beavo, Joseph A.
Dept. of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
APStracts 2:0008P, 1995.
ABSTRACT
In the last few years there has been a veritable explosion of knowledge about
cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases. In particular, the accumulating data
showing that there are a large number of different phosphodiesterase isozymes
have triggered an equally large increase in interest about these enzymes. At
least seven different gene families of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase are
currently known to exist in mammalian tissues. Most families contain several
distinct genes, and many of these genes are expressed in different tissues as
functionally unique alternative splice variants. This article reviews many of
the more important aspects about the structure, cellular localization, and
regulation of each family of phosphodiesterases. Particular emphasis is placed
on new information obtained in the last few years about how differential
expression and regulation of individual phosphodiesterase isozymes relate to
their function(s) in the body. A substantial discussion of the currently
accepted nomenclature is also included. Finally, a brief discussion is
included about how the differences among distinct phosphodiesterase isozymes
are beginning to be used as the basis for developing therapeutic agents.
APS Manuscript Number P-0009-5.
Article publication scheduled October 1995 Physiological Reviews.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 23 September 1995.