PDE4A

cAMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase 4A is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PDE4A is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the is_associated_with::cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) family, and is_associated_with::PDE4 subfamily. This PDE is_associated_with::hydrolyzes the second messenger, cAMP, which is a regulator and mediator of a number of cellular responses to extracellular signals. Thus, by regulating the cellular concentration of cAMP, this protein plays a key role in many important physiological processes. Recently, it has been shown through the use of PDE4A knock out mice that PDE4A may play a role in the regulation of anxiety and emotional memory.

Clinical significance
PDE4A is a target of a number of drugs including:
 * is_associated_with::rolipram (antidepressant and antiinflammatory) and is_associated_with::cilomilast (antiinflammatory) – inhibits PDE4A isoforms 1, 2, 6, and 7
 * is_associated_with::roflumilast (antiinflammatory) – inhibits PDE4A isoforms 1, 2, and 6