Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G signaling attenuates aortic valve calcification through ULK1-mediated autophagy | Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy

This study investigates the role of the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway in mitigating calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Researchers found that this pathway is suppressed in patients with CAVD and that pharmacological activation using the peptide hormone BNP, as well as vericiguat and sildenafil, attenuates calcium deposition in valve cells. The mechanism involves PKGI-mediated autophagy via ULK1 phosphorylation, suggesting vericiguat as a potential therapeutic candidate.