Cyclic GMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKG)

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase activated by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). It plays a central role in mediating the effects of cGMP signaling within cells and regulates various physiological processes including smooth muscle relaxation, platelet function, sperm metabolism, cell division, nucleic acid synthesis, and focal adhesion disassembly. There are two main types of PKG in mammals: Type I (PRKG1) and Type II (PRKG2). Type I exists as two isoforms—PKGIα and PKGIβ—produced via alternative splicing. PKG subunits consist of an N-terminal domain for homodimerization and autoinhibition, a regulatory domain with two nonidentical cGMP-binding sites, and a catalytic/kinase domain.

Other names

Protein kinase GcGKPRKG1PRKG2PRKGR1BPRKG1B

cGMP binding and activation of kinase activity