Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) is an enzyme that regulates cell communication by breaking down molecules called cyclic nucleotides (like cAMP and cGMP). These molecules act as messengers that help control processes such as mood, blood flow, and immune responses. PDE's job is to deactivate these messengers, ensuring signals don't last too long or become unbalanced. Because of this, PDE activity influences many physiological functions and is a target for medications treating conditions like depression, asthma, and erectile dysfunction, where controlling cellular signaling is beneficial.