From somewhat enigmatic beginnings 40 years ago, guanylate cyclase research has emerged to occupy a position of prominence in the study of signal transduction. Guanylate cyclase has several intriguing features, including existence in two major forms, membrane and soluble, each independently regulated by distinct mechanisms. The membrane form gives rise to a fascinating signal transduction story important to both peptide hormones and sensory neurons. This volume covers the evolution of the field, peptide hormone receptor work, membrane guanylate cycles, related retinal diseases, and the biochemistry and physiology of the soluble form. The 16 chapters are written by leaders in the field.

Inhalt
Evolution of the membrane guanylate cyclase transduction system.- Biochemistry and physiology of the natriuretic peptide receptor guanylyl cyclases.- Natriuretic peptide receptor: Structure and signaling.- Intracellular trafficking and metabolic turnover of ligand-bound guanylyl cyclase/atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A into subcellular compartments.- Structure and function of the heat-stable enterotoxin receptor/guanylyl cyclase C.- Ultracytochemistry as a tool for the study of the cellular and subcellular localization of membrane-bound guanylate cyclase (GC) activity. Applicability to both receptor-activated and receptor-independent GC activity.- Photoreceptor specific guanylate cyclases in vertebrate phototransduction.- Calcium-modulated membrane guanylate cyclase in synaptic transmission?.- Calcium-sensitive ROS-GC1 signaling outside of photoreceptors: A common theme.- A novel role of RGS9. Inhibition of retinal guanylyl cyclase.- Retinal diseases linked with photoreceptor guanylate cyclase.- Factors that affect regulation of cGMP synthesis in vertebrate photoreceptors and their genetic link to human retinal degeneration.- Guanylyl cyclases in unicellular organisms.- Isoforms of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase.- The receptor-like properties of nitric oxide-activated soluble guanylyl cyclase in intact cells.- Soluble guanylate cyclases in the retina.- Index to Volume 230.