PDE4B

cAMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase 4B is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PDE4B is_associated_with::gene.

This gene is a member of the type IV, cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific, cyclic nucleotide is_associated_with::phosphodiesterase (PDE) family. Cyclic nucleotides are important second messengers that regulate and mediate a number of cellular responses to extracellular signals, such as is_associated_with::hormones, is_associated_with::light, and is_associated_with::neurotransmitters. The is_associated_with::cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate the cellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides and thereby play a role in signal transduction. This gene encodes a protein that specifically hydrolyzes cAMP. Alternate transcriptional splice variants, encoding different is_associated_with::isoforms, have been characterized.

Clinical relevance
Altered activity of this protein has been associated with is_associated_with::schizophrenia and is_associated_with::bipolar affective disorder. PDE4B is believed to be the PDE4 subtype involved in the is_associated_with::antipsychotic effects of is_associated_with::PDE4 inhibitors such as is_associated_with::rolipram. PDE4B is involved in is_associated_with::dopamine-associated and stress-related behaviours.

Inhibitors
is_associated_with::AN2728, a is_associated_with::boron-containing drug candidate that as of 2015 was under development by is_associated_with::Anacor Pharmaceuticals for the topical treatment of is_associated_with::psoriasis and is_associated_with::atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). mainly acting on PDE4B.