Lessons from tissue-specific KO of CNP/GC-B system - everlasting challenge to clinical application

Since the identification of the first natriuretic peptide, ANP, from the atrium of the heart, thirty years have passed and clinical applications have been achieved in ANP⋅BNP/GC-A system. In contrast with the distribution of the ANP⋅BNP/GC-A system as the endocrine system, the CNP/GC-B system is distributed as the paracrine/autocrine system.

In order to assess physiological rolls of the CNP/GC-B system, we have developed tissue –specific knockout mice using the Cre-Lox-P system. Here, we present results of both CNP knockout mice and GC-B knockout mice in the brain, bone and cardiovascular system and discuss the possible physiological and pathophysiological implications of the CNP/GC-B system.