After the discovery of endogenous NO formation in the late '80s and the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, many researchers and physicians again became interested in the NO/sGC interaction and cGMP-dependent signaling. This book is an enthusiastic celebration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and amply illustrates the importance of this field of science to patients and the way in which the field has evolved. It is exclusively devoted to this exciting and important signaling molecule, addressing all recent advances in understanding guanylate cyclase regulation, NO/sGC interactions, cGMP effector mechanisms and their pathophysiological and pharmacological implications. Particular attention will also be given to clinical applications of the novel cGMP-elevating drugs which are on the horizon, thus spanning the continuum from basic science to clinic.

Basic Generators and Effectors

A Short History of cGMP, Guanylyl Cyclases, and cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
Biochemistry of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase
Genetic Mouse Models of the NO Receptor 'Soluble' Guanylyl Cyclases
Function and Dysfunction of Mammalian Membrane Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors: Lessons from Genetic Mouse Models and Implications for Human Diseases
Phosphodiesterases in the Central Nervous System
Structural and Biochemical Aspects of Tandem GAF Domains
Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
cGMP Regulated Protein Kinases (cGK)
cGK Substrates
Biochemical Detection of cGMP From Past to Present: An Overview
Novel Techniques for Real-Time Monitoring of cGMP in Living Cells
Pharmacology of cGMP
NO and sGC-Stimulating NO Donors
NO-Independent, Haem-Dependent Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators
NO- and Haem-Independent Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activators
Natriuretic Peptides: Their Structures, Receptors, Physiologic Functions and Therapeutic Applications
Cyclic GMP-Hydrolyzing Phosphodiesterases
cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Modulators
cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase as a Modifier of Behaviour
Clinical Applications
cGMP in the Vasculature
Modulating cGMP to Treat Lung Diseases
Modulation of cGMP in Heart Failure: A New Therapeutic Paradigm
Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract
cGMP and cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase in Platelets and Blood Cells
cGMP Signalling in the Mammalian Brain: Role in Synaptic Plasticity and Behaviour.