Transcriptional regulation by cAMP.

Cyclic AMP regulates a myriad of cellular processes through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. In many cases, activation of protein kinase A leads to altered patterns of gene transcription. Identification of the cAMP-response-element-binding-protein as a major nuclear substrate for protein kinase A accounts for many recent advances in understanding the signal transduction pathway. This review will focus on the role of cAMP-response-element-binding protein in coupling protein kinase A to the transcriptional machinery and the mechanisms that control cAMP signalling during mammalian development.