Cyclic GMP, yet the forgotten sibling of cAMP, was discovered as a second messenger in the late ´60s. For many years, cGMP retained the status of a sleeping princess. Many decades passed before its pathophysiological and pharmacological implications were appreciated.

In the ´70s, it became apparent that nitrovasodilators such as glycerol trinitrate, which liberate nitric oxide (NO), are potent activators of the cGMP-forming signaling enzyme, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). After the discovery of endogenous NO formation in the late ´80s and the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, many researchers and physicians became interested again in the NO/sGC interaction and cGMP-dependent signaling.

Moreover, natriuretic and other peptides have been identified as ligands for another family of cGMP-forming enzymes, particulate guanylyl cyclases (pGC). Subsequently, the effector systems of cGMP, protein kinases, ion channels and phosphodiesterases, have emerged as independent sub-fields and therapeutic targets.

While the complexity of cGMP formation, metabolism and effectors now underscores the importance of cGMP signaling, it has traditionally led most scientists in this area attend rather specialized meetings on NO, protein kinases, ion channels or phosphodiesterases.

None of these meetings have integrated all aspects of cGMP and many aspects of cellular cross-talk between different effectors have not been addressed at all. This has limited fruitful scientific interactions. In fact, many scientists in this area don't know each other personally.

The present meeting willhopefully be the first of a series of meetings exclusively devoted to this exciting and important signaling molecule, addressing all recent advances in understanding guanylyl cyclase regulation, NO/sGC interactions, cGMP effector mechanisms and their pathophysiological and pharmacological implications. Special focus will be addressed also to NO-independent sGC activation as well as PDE inhibition, thus spanning the continuum from basic science to clinic.

We are also pleased to offer the opportunity to explore the field of cGMP research in such a historical venue as Leipzig and invite you to join us during June 14-16, 2003.

Sincerely yours

Louis Ignarro
Franz Hofmann
Harald Schmidt
Johannes-Peter Stasch