Guanylate Cyclase C (GC-C)

Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C), also known as guanylyl cyclase C or GUCY2C, is a type I transmembrane receptor with intrinsic guanylate cyclase activity. It is predominantly expressed on the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells. GC-C plays a central role in regulating intestinal fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, mucosal barrier function, and epithelial regeneration. It is a therapeutic target for conditions like chronic constipation and IBS-C, and also a biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Other names

Guanylyl cyclase CGUCY2C

GC-C agonists bind to the extracellular domain, stimulating the intracellular catalytic domain to convert GTP to cGMP. cGMP activates downstream targets like PKG-II, leading to increased chloride and bicarbonate secretion and inhibition of sodium absorption, resulting in net water efflux into the intestinal lumen.