Pde4c, a member of the Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) enzyme family, specifically hydrolyses cAMP in numerous cell signalling systems transduced by hormones and primary messengers [1]. The physiological functions of PDE4 subfamilies are diverse due to various isoforms, and PDE4C has a restricted distribution pattern [1]. It is involved in the cAMP catabolic process, and in thyroid carcinoma (THCA), it may participate in cAMP metabolic process by regulating adenylate cyclases (ADCYs) [2].

In multiple cancer types, PDE4C shows distinct expression patterns and potential functions. In THCA, its expression is significantly up-regulated, and higher expression correlates with shorter progress-free survival, suggesting it could be a potential prognostic marker [2]. In osteosarcoma, M2 macrophage-derived PDE4C enhances cell proliferation and mobility by upregulating collagen expression and may serve as a biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response [3]. In pancreatic cancer, PDE4C is part of a necroptosis-related prognostic model [4]. In adenomyosis, TCF21 impairs endometrial decidualization by increasing PDE4C expression [5]. In glioma, PDE4C may function as a tumor suppressor, with its down-regulation through promoter hypermethylation [6]. In French bulldogs, a heterozygous variant in PDE4C is associated with muscle hypertrophy, dysphagia, and gait abnormalities [7].

In conclusion, PDE4C is crucial in cAMP-related signalling and has diverse functions in multiple biological processes and disease conditions, especially in various cancers. These functions are revealed through studies in different disease models, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer and its significance in understanding muscle-related disorders in animals [2-4, 6-8].