response to cAMP

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a cAMP (cyclic AMP, adenosine 3',5'-cyclophosphate) stimulus. [GOC:ai]

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger that mediates a wide range of cellular responses, including gene transcription, cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism. The response to cAMP begins with the activation of adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme that converts ATP to cAMP. Adenylyl cyclase activation can be triggered by various extracellular stimuli, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. These stimuli bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of G proteins. G proteins are heterotrimeric proteins consisting of α, β, and γ subunits. Upon receptor activation, the α subunit of the G protein exchanges GDP for GTP, becoming activated and dissociating from the βγ dimer. The activated α subunit then interacts with adenylyl cyclase, stimulating its catalytic activity.
Increased cAMP levels activate protein kinase A (PKA), a key effector of the cAMP signaling pathway. PKA is a serine/threonine kinase that is composed of two regulatory subunits and two catalytic subunits. The regulatory subunits bind to cAMP, and upon binding, they undergo a conformational change that releases the catalytic subunits, allowing them to phosphorylate target proteins.
The phosphorylation of target proteins by PKA can have a wide range of downstream effects, depending on the specific protein and its cellular context. For example, PKA can phosphorylate transcription factors, leading to changes in gene expression. PKA can also phosphorylate ion channels, altering membrane permeability and cellular excitability.
The response to cAMP is tightly regulated, ensuring that the signaling pathway is activated only when necessary and that it is terminated promptly. Regulation occurs at multiple levels, including the synthesis and degradation of cAMP, the activity of adenylyl cyclase, and the activation and deactivation of PKA.
The cAMP signaling pathway is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. Dysregulation of the cAMP pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.'
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Proteins (14)

Compounds (656)