CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE-GATED CHANNELS - MEDIATORS OF NO-CGMP-REGULATED PROCESSES

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels represent one of the three know n cellular receptor classes for cGMP. Activation of CNG channels by bi nding of cyclic nucleotides to a site in the C-terminus results in ope ning of the channel pore, entry of Ca2+ into the cell and subsequent i nduction of Ca2+-dependent processes. In this review we will summarize new data on the complex molecular structure and the activation mechan ism of CNG channels. In addition, we will discuss the role of CNG chan nels as mediators of NO:cGMP-dependent cellular processes.