Cytosolisch guanylaatcyclase als therapeutisch target

Abstract

Cytosolic guanylate cyclase as a therapeutic target The nitric oxide (NO) - soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) - cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway contributes to homeostasis of various systems in an organism. Dysfunction of the system may therefore induce heterogeneous pathologies. Pharmacological interventions in this signaling pathway using NO donors and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors have been successful in the past, but still leave room for improvement. This is why the interest in sGC stimulators and activators has been growing. Their NO-independent action increases the activity of sGC, resulting in a higher production of cGMP. Riociguat is the first sGC stimulator available on the market and is currently used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, other high-potential sGC stimulators or activators are also being tested in several clinical studies. This article describes the physiological importance of sGC, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target.