About this Research Topic

Background

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are the enzymes responsible for the conversion of ATP into the second messenger cAMP. Multiple different cellular signaling processes modulate the activity of ACs. There are ten different isoforms of ACs, nine of which are bound to the cellular membrane. Each isoform displays a unique expression pattern and set of regulatory properties. These unique characteristics result in a specific set of physiological functions for each AC isoform. The heterogenicity of signaling properties, expression, and physiological functions provides an opportunity for utilizing modulators of AC isoforms as novel therapeutic agents. This hypothesis is supported by recent studies with genetic knockdown/knockout and small molecules that have suggested that AC isoforms may be viable targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent studies using genetic regulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms have inspired the pursuit of novel isoform-selective modulators of the enzyme. These studies have started to shed light on the potential of targeting this class of enzymes for therapeutic purposes. The goal of this Research Topic is to elucidate the potential of adenylyl cyclase isoforms as novel therapeutic targets. It will include studies on novel modulators of adenylyl cyclases (ACs) as well as AC isoform function and signaling mechanisms.

The focus of this Research Topic is on targeting adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms for therapeutic purposes. We invite authors to submit articles that study the functions and signaling mechanisms of AC isoforms, introduce novel modulators of AC isoforms, explore the therapeutic potential of AC modulators, and present novel methods to study AC function and signaling. Review articles on any of those topics are also welcome. Below is a list of specific themes that are covered in this Research Topic.
• Adenylyl cyclase 1 and 8 as targets for managing pain
• Discovery of selective ligands of adenylyl cyclase isoforms
• Insights on adenylyl cyclase structure and signaling mechanisms
• Novel functions of adenylyl cyclase isoforms

Submissions including in silico only data will not be considered; they may be processed when containing also experimental data

Keywords: Adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, adenylate cyclase, G protein

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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