Phosphodiesterase 6B, cGMP-specific, rod, beta subunit (PDE6B)

Phosphodiesterase 6B, cGMP-specific, rod, beta subunit (abbreviated PDE6B) encodes the beta subunit of rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase, a critical enzyme in the phototransduction cascade of retinal rod photoreceptor cells[1][2][3][7]. Upon photon absorption by rhodopsin, a signaling cascade leads to activation of this phosphodiesterase, which hydrolyzes cGMP and results in closure of cGMP-gated ion channels, hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor, and transmission of a visual signal to the brain under low-light (scotopic) conditions[3][5]. Mutations in PDE6B are associated with inherited retinal diseases such as autosomal dominant congenital stationary night blindness and retinitis pigmentosa, causing visual impairment due to disrupted rod signaling[1][5][8]. No currently approved drugs directly target PDE6B, but it is an established target in research on retinal degenerations and gene therapies[2][3][7].

Other names

GMP-PDE betaPDE6B_HUMANRod cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase subunit beta

Hydrolysis of cGMP after activation by transducin, leading to closure of cGMP-gated ion channels in the rod photoreceptor, hyperpolarization, and altered neurotransmitter release in response to light[2][3].