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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Vascular Smooth Muscle (via Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway) (VSM (NO-cGMP))
- Target
- VSM (NO-cGMP)
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Receptor, Kinase, Second Messenger System
01
Overview
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) regulate blood vessel diameter, controlling blood pressure and flow. The nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway is a crucial signaling mechanism for VSMC relaxation. NO, produced by endothelial cells, activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in VSMCs, leading to cGMP synthesis. cGMP activates protein kinase G (PKG), which reduces intracellular calcium levels and desensitizes contractile machinery, resulting in vasodilation. cGMP is degraded by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This pathway is a target for drugs treating cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and erectile dysfunction.
- Other names
- Vascular smooth muscle cellVSMCNitric Oxide-cGMP PathwayNO-cGMP PathwayVascular Tone Regulation
02
Mechanism of action
Increased NO availability, increased cGMP levels, activation of PKG, decreased intracellular calcium, desensitization of contractile machinery
03
Biological functions
Regulation of vascular toneVasoconstrictionVasodilationBlood pressure regulationSignal transduction
04
Disease associations
HypertensionAtherosclerosisPulmonary hypertensionRestenosisAnginaErectile dysfunctionCardiovascular disease
05
Safety considerations
HypotensionDrug interactions (e.g., with nitrates)HeadacheFlushing
06
Interacting drugs
Nitrates
7 more in the full profile.
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