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Fig. 3. MLCK and MLCP mediate smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, respectively [Mas, 2010]. Ca2+ ions bind to calmodulin to form the Ca2+-calmodulin complex (Cam-Ca) which then binds to and activates MLCK. Active MLCK phosphorylates MLC, facilitating smooth muscle contraction. Conversely, active MLCP dephosphorylates MLC, causing smooth muscle relaxation and tumescence. Active RhoA activates Rho kinase which deactivates MLCP by phosphorylation. Inactive RhoA allows for the activation of MLCP. Green refers to pathways driving tumescence, red refers to that of detumescence. MLCK, myosin light chain kinase; MLCP, myosin light chain phosphatase; MLC, myosin light chain; Cam-Ca, Ca2+-calmodulin complex; P, phosphate group

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