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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
Soluble guanylyl cyclase: physiological role as an NO receptor and the potential molecular target for therapeutic
1Neuroscience Research, Global Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6119, USA. masaki.nakane@abbott.com
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) activates soluble guanylyl cyclase, which results in an increased synthesis of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The heme group in soluble guanylyl cyclase binds NO and allosterically activates the catalytic site. In addition, a second allosteric site that synergistically activates the enzyme has been reported. BAY 41-2272 was reported as an NO-independent activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase. Treatment with this compound results in anti-platelet activity, a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in survival, indicating a potential for treating cardiovascular diseases. YC-1, another NO-independent activator, activates soluble guanylyl cyclase and the activity is enhanced in the presence of NO. YC-1 relaxed tissue strips in organ bath. Consistent with its biochemical activity, YC-1 induced penile erection in a conscious rat model. Recently, we found a novel series of soluble guanylyl cyclase activators that also NO-independently activate soluble guanylyl cyclase and cause penile erection, suggesting a synergy with the endogenous NO production in vivo. Here I review the NO/cGMP signal transduction pathway and define soluble guanylyl cyclase modulators as a novel approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and erectile dysfunction.
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