RETGC1

RetGC1, also known as Retinal guanylate cyclase 1, is a protein encoded by the RETGC1 gene in humans. It belongs to the guanylate cyclase family and is primarily found in the retina. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the phototransduction cascade, the process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the eye. Specifically, RetGC1 synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a key second messenger molecule. In the retina, cGMP levels are regulated in response to light. When light strikes photoreceptor cells, it leads to a decrease in cGMP, causing ion channels to close and initiating a signaling pathway. RetGC1 is responsible for generating cGMP in the dark-adapted state, and its activity is modulated by photoreceptor signaling. Mutations in the RETGC1 gene have been linked to certain inherited retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, highlighting its importance for normal vision. Research into RetGC1 continues to shed light on the complex mechanisms of vision and potential therapeutic targets for retinal disorders.