Cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP, or 3'-5'-cyclic [adenosine monophosphate]?) is derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

cAMP is a second messenger molecule, used for intracellular signal transduction. It is made from ATP by adenylate cyclase. Its main purpose is the activation of protein kinases; it is also used to regulate the passage of Ca²⁺ through ion channels, a mechanism used in smelling by mammals.

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cAMP synthesis and decomposition

Adenylate cyclase is located at the cell's membranes. It is activated by the hormones glucagon? and adrenaline. These hormones can't go through the cell membrane, so all their activity is mediated by cAMP. Liver's adenylate cyclase reacts more strongly to glucagon?, and muscle's [adenylic cyclase]? reacts more strongly to adrenaline.

cAMP's decomposition into [adenosine monophosphate]? is catalyzed by the phosphodiesterase? enzyme. This enzyme is inhibited by caffeine, the stimulatory efffect of this drug being the result of the raised cAMP levels that it causes.

Protein kinase activation

In the absence of cAMP, a protein kinase is inactive and exists as a tetramer, consisting of two catalytic and two regulatory units (C₂R₂), with the regulatory units blocking the [catalytic center]?s of the catalytic units. When a G protein activates the adenylate cyclase, cAMP is produced. It binds to specific locations on the regulatory units of the protein kinase, causing them to dissociate from the tetramer, thus activating the catalytic units so they can perform their function.

Glycogen decomposition regulation

cAMP controls many biological processes, including glycogen? decomposition into glucose, and lipolysis?.

Role of cAMP in bacteria

In bacteria, cAMP is a hormone of hunger?. It is created if the level of glucose in the cell is low and it activates the production of enzymes that might possibly supply glucose.