RBC NOS: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic aspects

Trends Mol Med. 2008 Jul;14(7):314-22. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2008.05.002. Epub 2008 Jun 6.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO), one of the most important vascular signaling molecules, is primarily produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). eNOS is tightly regulated by its substrate l-arginine, cofactors and diverse interacting proteins. Interestingly, an NO synthase (NOS) was described within red blood cells (RBC NOS), and it was recently shown to significantly contribute to the intravascular NO pool and to regulate physiologically relevant mechanisms. However, the regulatory mechanisms and clinical implications of RBC NOS are unknown. The aim of this review is to highlight intracellular RBC NOS interactions and the role of RBC NOS in RBC homeostasis. Furthermore, macro- and microvascular diseases affected by RBC-derived NO are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Erythrocytes / enzymology*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III