NO/cGMP-Signaling
cGMP is an important second messenger and mediates the biological effects of nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides (such as atrial natriuretic peptide). The cGMP signaling pathway plays a prominent role in regulating the contraction of smooth vascular muscles and thus blood pressure. Furthermore, cGMP regulates a multitude of additional biological processes. We are particularly interested in the function of the cGMP signaling pathway in adipocytes and in metabolism. To study these processes, we utilize, among traditional biochemical approaches, genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors (such as Förster-Resonance-Energy-Transfer = FRET biosensor) and single fluorophore biosensors.
Displayed above is a brown adipocyte progenitor cell (pre brown adipocyte) isolated from a transgenic mouse strain, ubiquitously expressing the cGi-500 FRET biosensor.
Here are some of our latest publications on this issue:
Interplay between Obesity-Induced Inflammation and cGMP Signaling in White Adipose Tissue.
Sanyal A, Naumann J, Hoffmann LS, Chabowska-Kita A, Ehrlund A, Schlitzer A, Arner P, Blüher M, Pfeifer A.
Cell Rep. 2017 Jan 3;18(1):225-236. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.028.
Stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase protects against obesity by recruiting brown adipose tissue
Hoffmann LS, Etzrodt J, Willkomm L, Sanyal A, Scheja L, Fischer AWC, Stasch JP, Bloch W, Friebe A, Heeren J, Pfeifer A.
Nat Commun. 2015 May 26;6:7235. doi: 10.1038/ncomms8235.
Increased cGMP promotes healthy expansion and browning of white adipose tissue.
Mitschke MM, Hoffmann LS, Gnad T, Scholz D, Kruithoff K, Mayer P, Haas B, Sassmann A, Pfeifer A, Kilic A.
FASEB J. 2013 Apr;27(4):1621-30. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-221580. Epub 2013 Jan 9.
Protein kinase G controls brown fat cell differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Haas B, Mayer P, Jennissen K, Scholz D, Berriel Diaz M, Bloch W, Herzig S, Fässler R, Pfeifer A.
Sci Signal. 2009 Dec 1;2(99):ra78. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2000511.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Alexander Pfeifer
Venusberg Campus 1
53127 Bonn