PRKG1 is a homodimer, with each monomer containing a regulatory cGMP-binding domain and a catalytic domain. By Northern blot analysis PRKG1 was shown to be expressed at highest levels in bladder, uterus, adrenal gland, and fallopian tube. PRKG1 plays an important stimulatory role in platelet activation. Expression of recombinant PRKG1 in a reconstituted cell model enhanced von Willebrand factor-induced activation of the platelet integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3. Prkg1 knockout mice showed impaired platelet responses to VWF or low doses of thrombin and prolonged bleeding time. Human platelet aggregation induced by VWF or low-dose thrombin was inhibited by PRKG1 inhibitors but enhanced by cGMP.
