Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Measurement of 3-Dimensional cAMP Distributions in Living Cells using 4-Dimensional (x, y, z, and λ) Hyperspectral FRET Imaging and Analysis
Published on: October 27, 2020
From epinephrine to cyclic AMP
1Department of Biological Chemistry, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
Binding of catecholamines to the beta-adrenergic receptor results in the activation of adenylate cyclase and the intracellular formation of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). In the past 20 years the events that lead from hormone binding at the cell surface receptor site to the synthesis of cAMP at the inner layer of the membrane have been intensively studied. Signal transduction in this system involves the sequential interaction of the beta-adrenergic receptor with the guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs) and the adenylate cyclase catalyst (C). The mechanism of signal transduction from the receptor through Gs to C, as well as the role of the adenylate cyclase inhibitory G protein Gi, is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Secondary Messengers in Hormone Action
Many hormones bind to transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors that connect to regulatory G proteins. These G proteins can then activate enzymes such as adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C. Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, activating...

