This gene encodes a member of the cGMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (cGI-PDE) family. cGI-PDE enzymes hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP, and play critical roles in many cellular processes by regulating the amplitude and duration of intracellular cyclic nucleotide signals. The encoded protein mediates platelet aggregation and also plays important roles in cardiovascular function by regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction and relaxation. Inhibitors of the encoded protein may be effective in treating congestive heart failure. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011]