Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Human Neural Organoids for Studying Brain Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: June 28, 2019
Potential role of calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase in human brain tumor (review)
Shankar B Das1, Rajendra K Sharma
1Cancer Research Unit, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 20 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4H4, Canada.
Abstract:
A wealth of knowledge exists regarding calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1) in normal mammalian tissues. However, much remains to be known about the enzyme in human brain tumors (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM). PDE1 has not been investigated in GBM relative to normal brain and remains an important area of investigation. In this review, we have summarized the works that have been carried out in our laboratory on the potential role of PDE1 in GBM. In the normal brain, PDE1 is localized in all four principal parts of the brain: cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum. Specifically, PDE1 is concentrated in anatomically distinct regions of the brain including the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, subiculum, Purkinjie cells, the external layer of the developing cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. In contrast, PDE1 is found to be very low in the GBM tissue compared to normal cerebral cortex tissue. However, the discovery of an inhibitor in the tumor tissue is interesting and definitely warrants further investigation, particularly, in relation to its possible interaction with PDE1.
Insights
Calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1) is present in normal brain regions but significantly reduced in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors. Further research is needed on PDE1 inhibitors found in GBM tissue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1) is well-characterized in normal mammalian tissues.
- Its role and expression in human brain tumors, specifically glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), remain largely unexplored.
- PDE1 is known to be localized across various normal brain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review laboratory findings on the potential role of PDE1 in GBM.
- To investigate the expression levels of PDE1 in GBM compared to normal brain tissue.
- To explore the significance of PDE1 inhibitors discovered within tumor tissue.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of laboratory work on PDE1 in GBM.
- Comparative analysis of PDE1 localization and concentration in normal brain versus GBM tissue.
- Identification and characterization of potential PDE1 inhibitors in GBM.
Main Results:
- PDE1 is widely distributed in normal brain structures like the cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.
- Specific high-concentration areas in the normal brain include the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, subiculum, Purkinje cells, and cerebral cortex.
- PDE1 expression is markedly lower in GBM tissue compared to normal cerebral cortex.
Conclusions:
- PDE1 exhibits differential expression in GBM, being significantly reduced compared to normal brain.
- The presence of an inhibitor in GBM tissue suggests a potential interaction with PDE1 that warrants further investigation.
- Understanding PDE1's role in GBM could open new avenues for therapeutic strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Abnormal Proliferation
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
