Function of cyclic AMP scaffolds in obstructive lung disease:Focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress

Over the past decades, research has defined cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as one of the central cellular nodes in sensing and integrating multiple pathways, and as a pivotal role player in lung pathophysiology. Obstructive lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by a persistent and progressive airflow limitation, and by oxidative stress from endogenous and exogenous insults. The extent of airflow obstruction relies on the relative deposition of different constituents of the extracellular matrix - a process related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and which subsequently results in airway fibrosis. Oxidative stress from endogenous but also from exogenous sources causes a profound worsening of COPD. The following sections will describe how cAMP scaffolds and their distinguished signalosomes in different subcellular compartments may contribute to COPD. Future research will require translational studies to alleviate disease symptoms by pharmacologically targeting the cAMP scaffolds.