Guanosine monophosphate

Guanosinmonophosphat protoniert

GMP de novo synthesis

Guanosine monophosphate (GMP), also known as 5'-guanylic acid, is a nucleotide that is used as a monomer in RNA. It is composed of the nucleobase guanine, the five-carbon sugar ribose, and one phosphate group, making it a ribonucleic acid (RNA) monomer. GMP plays a crucial role in a variety of cellular processes, including the synthesis of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, and energy transfer. It is also involved in the regulation of signal transduction pathways and can be converted into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which acts as a secondary messenger in various biological processes.

Structure and Function

GMP is a nucleotide that consists of three components: guanine, a purine base; ribose, a pentose sugar; and a single phosphate group. This structure allows it to be incorporated into RNA during the process of transcription. In its cyclic form, cGMP, it serves as a signaling molecule that is involved in processes such as vasodilation, platelet aggregation, and sensory perception.

Biosynthesis

The biosynthesis of GMP is regulated through a pathway that begins with the precursor inosine monophosphate (IMP). IMP can be converted into either GMP or adenosine monophosphate (AMP) through separate, specific enzymatic reactions. The conversion of IMP to GMP involves the enzyme IMP dehydrogenase, which oxidizes IMP to xanthosine monophosphate (XMP), followed by the action of GMP synthase, which adds an amino group to form GMP.

Metabolism

GMP is metabolized through a series of enzymatic reactions that ultimately lead to the production of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an important energy carrier in cells. GTP can also be converted back to GMP through the action of nucleoside diphosphate kinases and GMP reductase, maintaining a balance between the different forms of guanine nucleotides within the cell.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the metabolism of GMP and its derivatives have been linked to various diseases, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. For example, abnormal levels of cGMP can lead to disorders of the cardiovascular system such as hypertension. Additionally, pharmacological agents that mimic or inhibit the synthesis and degradation of GMP and cGMP are used in the treatment of these conditions.

See Also

• Nucleic acid metabolism
• Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
• Nucleotide
• Guanine