Phosphodiesterase 5A, cGMP Specific (PDE5A)

PDE5A encodes a cGMP-binding, cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, a member of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase family. This phosphodiesterase specifically hydrolyzes cGMP to 5'-GMP. It is involved in the regulation of intracellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides and is important for smooth muscle relaxation in the cardiovascular system. Alternative splicing of this gene results in three transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.

The predicted 875-amino acid human protein is approximately 96% identical to bovine PDE5A. Like the bovine protein, human PDE5A contains a cGMP-binding domain in its N-terminal portion and a catalytic domain in its C-terminal region. Recombinant PDE5A protein hydrolyzed cGMP in vitro.