Adenylate cyclase type 4 (ADCY4)

Adenylate cyclase type 4 (ADCY4) is a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP), a key secondary messenger involved in intracellular signal transduction. ADCY4 is one of several adenylyl cyclase isoforms that mediate cellular responses to various stimuli by producing cAMP in response to activation by G protein signaling, but it is insensitive to calcium/calmodulin regulation. It is prominently expressed in olfactory cilia, suggesting a specialized role in olfactory signaling and detection of smells. Genetically, it is localized on human chromosome 14q11.2. In the context of disease, ADCY4 has been identified as a possible epigenetic biomarker and target for breast cancer. Although broad pharmacologic modulation of adenylyl cyclase activity exists, no clinically approved drugs target ADCY4 specifically.

Other names

Adenylate cyclase type 4Adenylyl cyclase 4ADCY4AC4ATP pyrophosphate-lyase 4Adenylate cyclase type IVAdenylyl cyclase type 4

Activation or inhibition of the enzyme results in altered cAMP production, affecting downstream cellular signaling via protein kinase A (PKA) and other cAMP-dependent pathways. G-protein coupled mechanisms (activated by G protein beta and gamma subunit complexes).