Advances in the structure of phosphodiesterase 2 and selective inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) is mainly distributed in brain and heart cells. PDE2 is a potential drug target that plays an important role to maintain the level of intracellular second messengers cAMP and cGMP through PDE2-catalyzed hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP. Selective inhibitors of PDE2 are expected to be valuable in improving permeability of endothelial cells and memory. In this article, the physiological function, distribution, and characteristics of the regulatory and catalytic domains, as well as some selective inhibitors against PDE2 are reviewed. Finally, based on the trend of the drug design, future design of PDE2 inhibitors is also prospected.