Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a derivative of adenosine triphosphate and is the first identified second messenger that transmits signals from receptors to downstream pathways[1]. As an important intracellular signaling molecule, cyclic AMP participates in many biological processes, such as metabolic regulation, protein kinase activation, gene transcription, etc.[2, 3]. Cyclic AMP is produced from ATP by several adenylate cyclases and anchored in various locations inside the cell. These enzymes are regulated by G protein-coupled receptors [4]. Cyclic AMP is broken down into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) by phosphodiesterases [5]. Cyclic AMP is a hydrophilic small molecule that contains a phosphate group, has high polarity, and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules [6].
References:
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[5] Pyne N J, Furman B L. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in pancreatic islets[J]. Diabetologia, 2003, 46: 1179-1189.
[6] Kato Y, Conn M M, Rebek J J. Water-soluble receptors for cyclic-AMP and their use for evaluating phosphate-guanidinium interactions[J]. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1994, 116(8): 3279-3284.