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Cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAS number 60-92-4
PubChem 6076
MeSH Cyclic+AMP
Molecular formula C10H12N5O6P
Molar mass 329.206
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP, cyclic AMP or 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a molecule that is important in many biological processes; it is derived from what is known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Additional recommended knowledge


Synthesis and decomposition

cAMP is synthesised from ATP by adenylate cyclase which is located at the cell membranes. Adenylate cyclase is activated by the hormones glucagon and epinepherine through the activation of adenylate cyclase stimulatory G (Gs)-coupled receptors and inhibited by agonists of adenylate cyclase inhibitory G (Gi)-protein coupled receptors. Liver adenylate cyclase responds more strongly to glucagon, and muscle adenylate cyclase responds more strongly to adrenaline.

cAMP decomposition into AMP is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphodiesterase.


cAMP is a second messenger, used for intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring the effects of hormones like glucagon and adrenaline, which cannot get through the cell membrane. Its purposes include the activation of protein kinases and regulating the effects of adrenaline and glucagon. It is also used to regulate the passage of Ca2+ through ion channels.

In humans

Main article: function of cAMP-dependent protein kinase


In humans, cyclic AMP works by activating protein kinase A (PKA, also known as cAMP-dependent protein kinase). This is normally inactive as a tetrameric holoenzyme, consisting of 2 catalytic and 2 regulatory units (C2R2), with the regulatory units blocking the catalytic centers of the catalytic units.

Cyclic AMP binds to specific locations on the regulatory units of the protein kinase, and causes dissociation between the regulatory and catalytic subunits, thus activating the catalytic units and enabling them to phosphorylate substrate proteins.

Further effects thus depends on cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which are found in function of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These effects depend on the type of cell, but includes regulation of glycogen, sugar, and lipid metabolism.

In non-humans

Role of cAMP in bacteria

In bacteria, the level of cAMP varies depending on the medium used for growth. In particular, cAMP is low when glucose is the carbon source. This occurs through inhibition of the cAMP-producing enzyme, adenylate cyclase, as a side effect of glucose transport into the cell. The transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP) also called: CAP (Catabolite gene Activator Protein) forms a complex with cAMP and thereby is activated to bind to DNA. CRP-cAMP increases expression of a large number of genes, including some encoding enzymes that can supply energy independent of glucose.


Role of cAMP in some slime molds

In the species Dictyostelium discoideum specifically, the chemotactic movement of cells are organized by periodic waves of cAMP that propagate through the cell. The waves are the result of a regulated production and secretion of extracellular cAMP and a spontaneous biological oscillator that initiates the waves at centers of territories.


Role of cAMP in human carcinoma

Some research has suggested that a deregulation of cAMP pathways and an aberrant activation of cAMP-controlled genes is linked to the growth of some cancers.[1][2][3]

Role of cAMP in Prefrontal Cortex Disorders

Recent research may indicate that cAMP affects the function of higher order thinking in the prefrontal cortex through its regulation of ion channels called hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCN). When cAMP stimulates the HCN, these gates open, rendering the brain cell closed to communication, thus interfering with prefrontal cortex function. This research is of interest to scientists studying the brain, especially the degradation of higher cognitive function in ADHD and aging.[4]

See also


  1. ^ American Association for Cancer Research (cAMP-responsive Genes and Tumor Progression)
  2. ^ American Association for Cancer Research (cAMP Dysregulation and Melonoma)

Additional images

Deoxyribonucleic acids: DNA | cDNA | gDNA | msDNA | mtDNA
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Cyclic_adenosine_monophosphate". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.