Guanylyl Cyclase C Receptor (GC-C)

Guanylyl cyclase C receptor (GC-C), also known as guanylate cyclase 2C, is a membrane-bound receptor predominantly expressed on the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells. It functions as a key regulator of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract and is targeted pharmacologically by peptide agonists such as linaclotide and plecanatide for treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C). Its expression pattern also makes it a promising biomarker for colorectal cancer detection.

Other names

Guanylate cyclase 2CGUCY2C

Upon ligand binding, GC-C catalyzes the conversion of GTP to cGMP inside target cells, increasing intracellular cGMP, which modulates several downstream pathways that regulate intestinal fluid secretion and electrolyte transport.