Regulation of NOS expression in vascular diseases

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2021 Apr 30;26(5):85-101. doi: 10.52586/4926.

Abstract

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are the major sources of nitric oxide (NO), a small bioactive molecule involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. One of the most prominent functions of NO is regulation of vasodilatation and thereby control of blood pressure. Most important for vascular tone is NOS3. Endothelial NOS3-generated NO diffuses into the vascular smooth muscle cells, activates the soluble guanylate cyclase resulting in enhanced cGMP concentrations and smooth muscle cell relaxation. However, more and more evidence exist that also NOS1 and NOS2 contribute to vascular function. We summarize the current knowledge about the regulation of NOS expression in the vasculature by transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, in regard to inflammation and innate immune pathways.

Keywords: Gene regulation; Innate immunity; NOS1; NOS2; NOS3; Nitric oxide; Vascular inflammation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • Blood Pressure
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • Vascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Vascular Diseases / virology*

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Nitric Oxide
  • NOS1 protein, human
  • NOS2 protein, human
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III