cGMP and mitochondrial K channels-Compartmentalized but closely connected in cardioprotection.

The 3',5'-cGMP pathway triggers cytoprotective responses and improves cardiomyocyte survival during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. These beneficial effects were attributed to NO-sensitive GC induced cGMP production leading to activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI). cGKI in turn phosphorylates many substrates, which eventually facilitate opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mitoK ) and Ca -activated potassium channels of the BK type (mitoBK). Accordingly, agents activating mitoK or mitoBK provide protection against I/R-induced damages. Here, we provide an up-to-date summary of the infarct-limiting actions exhibited by the GC/cGMP axis and discuss how mitoK and mitoBK, which are present at the inner mitochondrial membrane, confer mito- and cytoprotective effects on cardiomyocytes exposed to I/R injury. In view of this, we believe that the functional connection between the cGMP cascade and mitoK channels should be exploited further as adjunct to reperfusion therapy in myocardial infarction. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on cGMP Signalling in Cell Growth and Survival. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.11/issuetoc.