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Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 32721

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Tzong-Shyuan Lee

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Graduate Institute, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Interests: cell culture; cholesterol metabolism; atherosclerosis; reactive oxygen species; signaling; endothelial cell biology; endothelial dysfunction; angiogenesis; vascular biology; vascular diseases; macrophage-foam cells; cardiovascular physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive gas in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. It can be synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), which convert arginine into citrulline and produce NO in several cell types. In addition to its key role in regulating the cardiovascular function, NO has been reported to be involved in the pathological processes of a variety of human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurological diseases. Given the importance of NOSs in the pathophysiology of human diseases, these enzymes are considered potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of diverse human pathologies. The Special Issue entitled "Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function" aims to provide a research platform for the collection of the latest review and original research articles covering all aspects of these enzymes.

Prof. Dr. Tzong-Shyuan Lee
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Nitric oxide synthases
Isoforms
Nitric oxide
Endothelial cell
Stem cell
Cellular signaling
Redox pathway
Endothelial NOS
Neuronal NOS
Disease
Cancer

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 3186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disruption of Redox Homeostasis by Alterations in Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity and Tetrahydrobiopterin along with Melanoma Progression

by Jaqueline Pereira Moura Soares, Diego Assis Gonçalves, Ricardo Xisto de Sousa, Margareth Gori Mouro, Elisa M. S. Higa, Letícia Paulino Sperandio, Carolina Moraes Vitoriano, Elisa Bachir Santa Rosa, Fernanda Oliveira dos Santos, Gustavo Nery de Queiroz, Roberta Sessa Stilhano Yamaguchi, Gustavo Pereira, Marcelo Yudi Icimoto and Fabiana Henriques Machado de Melo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 5979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23115979 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2177

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma emerges from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. The progression can occur in different stages: radial growth phase (RGP), vertical growth phase (VGP), and metastasis. Reactive oxygen species contribute to all phases of melanomagenesis through the modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an important cofactor for NOS coupling, and an uncoupled enzyme is a source of superoxide anion (O₂^•−) rather than nitric oxide (NO), altering the redox homeostasis and contributing to melanoma progression. In the present work, we showed that the BH4 amount varies between different cell lines corresponding to distinct stages of melanoma progression; however, they all presented higher O₂^•− levels and lower NO levels compared to melanocytes. Our results showed increased NOS expression in melanoma cells, contributing to NOS uncoupling. BH4 supplementation of RGP cells, and the DAHP treatment of metastatic melanoma cells reduced cell growth. Finally, Western blot analysis indicated that both treatments act on the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways of these melanoma cells in different ways. Disruption of cellular redox homeostasis by the altered BH4 concentration can be explored as a therapeutic strategy according to the stage of melanoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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23 pages, 7905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diabetes Mellitus Alters the Immuno-Expression of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Rat Pancreas

by Bright Starling Emerald, Sahar Mohsin, Crystal D’Souza, Annie John, Hussain El-Hasasna, Shreesh Ojha, Haider Raza, Basel al-Ramadi and Ernest Adeghate

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 4974; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23094974 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Nitric oxide is generated from nitric oxide synthase following hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress during the course of diabetes mellitus (DM). We examined the temporal immuno-expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the pancreas of diabetic and non-diabetic rats using immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and western blot techniques 12 h, 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1, 8 and 15 months after induction of DM. nNOS co-localized with pancreatic beta cells but disappears 12 h after the onset of DM. In contrast, the nNOS content of pancreatic nerves increased significantly (p < 0.001) 24 h after the induction of DM, and decreased sharply thereafter. However, nNOS-positive ganglion cells were observed even 15 months post-diabetes. ROS increased by more than 100% two months after the onset of DM compared to non-diabetic control but was significantly (p < 0.000001) reduced at 9 months after the induction of DM. The pancreatic content of GSH increased significantly (p < 0.02) after 9 months of DM. Although, TBARS content was significantly (p < 0.009; p < 0.002) lower in aged (9 months) non-diabetic and DM rats, TBARS rate was markedly (p < 0.02) higher 9 months after the induction of DM when compared to younger age group. In conclusion, nNOS is present in pancreatic beta cell, but disappears 12 h after the onset of diabetes. In contrast, the tissue level of nNOS of pancreatic nerves increased in the first week of diabetes, followed by a sharp reduction. nNOS may play important roles in the metabolism of pancreatic beta cell. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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14 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Insights on Nitric Oxide Synthase and NO Signaling in Ascidian Metamorphosis

by Annamaria Locascio, Quirino Attilio Vassalli, Immacolata Castellano and Anna Palumbo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(7), 3505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23073505 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a pivotal signaling molecule involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. We investigated NOS/NO localization patterns during the different stages of larval development in the ascidia Ciona robusta and evidenced a specific and temporally controlled pattern. NOS/NO expression starts in the most anterior sensory structures of the early larva and progressively moves towards the caudal portion as larval development and metamorphosis proceeds. We here highlight the pattern of NOS/NO expression in the central and peripheral nervous system of Ciona larvae which precisely follows the progression of neural signals of the central pattern generator necessary for the control of the movements of the larva towards the substrate. This highly dynamic localization profile perfectly matches with the central role played by NO from the first phase of settlement induction to the next control of swimming behavior, adhesion to substrate and progressive tissue resorption and reorganization of metamorphosis itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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16 pages, 2694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active nNOS Is Required for Grp94-Induced Antioxidant Cytoprotection: A Lesson from Myogenic to Cancer Cells

by Filippo Fornasiero, Cristina Scapin, Maurizio Vitadello, Paola Pizzo and Luisa Gorza

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(6), 2915; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23062915 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone Grp94/gp96 appears to be involved in cytoprotection without being required for cell survival. This study compared the effects of Grp94 protein levels on Ca²⁺ homeostasis, antioxidant cytoprotection and protein–protein interactions between two widely studied cell lines, the myogenic C2C12 and the epithelial HeLa, and two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HS578T. In myogenic cells, but not in HeLa, Grp94 overexpression exerted cytoprotection by reducing ER Ca²⁺ storage, due to an inhibitory effect on SERCA2. In C2C12 cells, but not in HeLa, Grp94 co-immunoprecipitated with non-client proteins, such as nNOS, SERCA2 and PMCA, which co-fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation in a distinct, medium density, ER vesicular compartment. Active nNOS was also required for Grp94-induced cytoprotection, since its inhibition by L-NNA disrupted the co-immunoprecipitation and co-fractionation of Grp94 with nNOS and SERCA2, and increased apoptosis. Comparably, only the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, which showed Grp94 co-immunoprecipitation with nNOS, SERCA2 and PMCA, increased oxidant-induced apoptosis after nNOS inhibition or Grp94 silencing. These results identify the Grp94-driven multiprotein complex, including active nNOS as mechanistically involved in antioxidant cytoprotection by means of nNOS activity and improved Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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10 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microcirculatory Function during Endotoxemia—A Functional Citrulline-Arginine-NO Pathway and NOS3 Complex Is Essential to Maintain the Microcirculation

by Karolina A. P. Wijnands, Dennis M. Meesters, Benjamin Vandendriessche, Jacob J. Briedé, Hans M. H. van Eijk, Peter Brouckaert, Anje Cauwels, Wouter H. Lamers and Martijn Poeze

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11940; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222111940 - 03 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

Competition for the amino acid arginine by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (NOS3) and (pro-)inflammatory NO-synthase (NOS2) during endotoxemia appears essential in the derangement of the microcirculatory flow. This study investigated the role of NOS2 and NOS3 combined with/without citrulline supplementation on the NO-production and microcirculation during endotoxemia. Wildtype (C57BL6/N background; control; n = 36), Nos2-deficient, (n = 40), Nos3-deficient (n = 39) and Nos2/Nos3-deficient mice (n = 42) received a continuous intravenous LPS infusion alone (200 μg total, 18 h) or combined with L-citrulline (37.5 mg, last 6 h). The intestinal microcirculatory flow was measured by side-stream dark field (SDF)-imaging. The jejunal intracellular NO production was quantified by in vivo NO-spin trapping combined with electron spin-resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Amino-acid concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). LPS infusion decreased plasma arginine concentration in control and Nos3^−/− compared to Nos2^−/− mice. Jejunal NO production and the microcirculation were significantly decreased in control and Nos2^−/− mice after LPS infusion. No beneficial effects of L-citrulline supplementation on microcirculatory flow were found in Nos3^−/− or Nos2^−/−/Nos3^−/− mice. This study confirms that L-citrulline supplementation enhances de novo arginine synthesis and NO production in mice during endotoxemia with a functional NOS3-enzyme (control and Nos2^−/− mice), as this beneficial effect was absent in Nos3^−/− or Nos2^−/−/Nos3^−/− mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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14 pages, 2252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Duration of Social Isolation Affects Production of Nitric Oxide in the Rat Brain

by Stanislava Vrankova, Zuzana Galandakova, Jakub Benko, Martina Cebova, Igor Riecansky and Olga Pechanova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms221910340 - 25 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

Social isolation deprives rodents of social interactions that are critical for normal development of brain and behavior. Several studies have indicated that postweaning isolation rearing may affect nitric oxide (NO) production. The aim of this study was to compare selected behavioral and biochemical changes related to NO production in the brain of rats reared in social isolation for different duration. At the age of 21 days, male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups reared in isolation or socially for 10 or 29 weeks. At the end of the rearing, open-field and prepulse inhibition (PPI) tests were carried out. Furthermore, in several brain areas we assessed NO synthase (NOS) activity, protein expression of nNOS and iNOS isoforms and the concentration of conjugated dienes (CD), a marker of oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. Social isolation for 10 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in PPI, which was accompanied by a decrease in NOS activity in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum, an increase in iNOS in the hippocampus and an increase in CD concentration in cortex homogenate. On the other hand, a 29 week isolation had an opposite effect on NOS activity, which increased in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum in animals reared in social isolation, accompanied by a decrease in CD concentration. The decrease in NOS activity after 10 weeks of isolation might have been caused by chronic stress induced by social isolation, which has been documented in previous studies. The increased oxidative state might result in the depleted NO bioavailability, as NO reacts with superoxide radical creating peroxynitrite. After 29 weeks of isolation, this loss of NO might be compensated by the subsequent increase in NOS activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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20 pages, 2946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metastatic Melanoma Progression Is Associated with Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Uncoupling Induced by Loss of eNOS:BH4 Stoichiometry

by Fabiana Henriques Machado de Melo, Diego Assis Gonçalves, Ricardo Xisto de Sousa, Marcelo Yudi Icimoto, Denise de Castro Fernandes, Francisco R. M. Laurindo and Miriam Galvonas Jasiulionis

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9556; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22179556 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer due to its high capability of developing metastasis and acquiring chemoresistance. Altered redox homeostasis induced by increased reactive oxygen species is associated with melanomagenesis through modulation of redox signaling pathways. Dysfunctional endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produces superoxide anion (O₂^−•) and contributes to the establishment of a pro-oxidant environment in melanoma. Although decreased tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) bioavailability is associated with eNOS uncoupling in endothelial and human melanoma cells, in the present work we show that eNOS uncoupling in metastatic melanoma cells expressing the genes from de novo biopterin synthesis pathway Gch1, Pts, and Spr, and high BH4 concentration and BH4:BH2 ratio. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of Nos3, altering the stoichiometry balance between eNOS and BH4, contributing to NOS uncoupling. Both treatment with L-sepiapterin and eNOS downregulation induced increased nitric oxide (NO) and decreased O₂^• levels, triggering NOS coupling and reducing cell growth and resistance to anoikis and dacarbazine chemotherapy. Moreover, restoration of eNOS activity impaired tumor growth in vivo. Finally, NOS3 expression was found to be increased in human metastatic melanoma samples compared with the primary site. eNOS dysfunction may be an important mechanism supporting metastatic melanoma growth and hence a potential target for therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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Review

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22 pages, 902 KiB

Open AccessReview

Placental Ischemia Says “NO” to Proper NOS-Mediated Control of Vascular Tone and Blood Pressure in Preeclampsia

by Ana C. Palei, Joey P. Granger and Frank T. Spradley

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222011261 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and biochemistry. This is followed by describing what is known about NOS-mediated blood pressure control during normal pregnancy. Circulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability has been assessed by measuring its metabolites, nitrite (NO₂) and/or nitrate (NO₃), and shown to rise throughout normal pregnancy in humans and rats and decline postpartum. In contrast, placental malperfusion/ischemia leads to systemic reductions in NO bioavailability leading to maternal endothelial and vascular dysfunction with subsequent development of hypertension in PE. We end this article by describing emergent risk factors for placental malperfusion and ischemic disease and discussing strategies to target the NOS system therapeutically to increase NO bioavailability in preeclamptic patients. Throughout this discussion, we highlight the critical importance that experimental animal studies have played in our current understanding of NOS biology in normal pregnancy and their use in finding novel ways to preserve this signaling pathway to prevent the development, treat symptoms, or reduce the severity of PE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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15 pages, 1093 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nitric Oxide: From Gastric Motility to Gastric Dysmotility

by Eglantina Idrizaj, Chiara Traini, Maria Giuliana Vannucchi and Maria Caterina Baccari

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9990; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22189990 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3890

Abstract

It is known that nitric oxide (NO) plays a key physiological role in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) motor phenomena. In this respect, NO is considered as the main non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for smooth muscle relaxation. Moreover, many substances (including hormones) have been reported to modulate NO production leading to changes in motor responses, further underlying the importance of this molecule in the control of GI motility. An impaired NO production/release has indeed been reported to be implicated in some GI dysmotility. In this article we wanted to focus on the influence of NO on gastric motility by summarizing knowledge regarding its role in both physiological and pathological conditions. The main role of NO on regulating gastric smooth muscle motor responses, with particular reference to NO synthases expression and signaling pathways, is discussed. A deeper knowledge of nitrergic mechanisms is important for a better understanding of their involvement in gastric pathophysiological conditions of hypo- or hyper-motility states and for future therapeutic approaches. A possible role of substances which, by interfering with NO production, could prove useful in managing such motor disorders has been advanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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21 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of the BH4 Cofactor in Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity and Cancer Progression: Two Sides of the Same Coin

by Diego Assis Gonçalves, Miriam Galvonas Jasiulionis and Fabiana Henriques Machado de Melo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22179546 - 02 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5429

Abstract

Cancer development is associated with abnormal proliferation, genetic instability, cell death resistance, metabolic reprogramming, immunity evasion, and metastasis. These alterations are triggered by genetic and epigenetic alterations in genes that control cell homeostasis. Increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS) induced by different enzymes and reactions with distinct molecules contribute to malignant transformation and tumor progression by modifying DNA, proteins, and lipids, altering their activities. Nitric oxide synthase plays a central role in oncogenic signaling modulation and redox landscape. Overexpression of the three NOS isoforms has been found in innumerous types of cancer contributing to tumor growth and development. Although the main function of NOS is the production of nitric oxide (NO), it can be a source of ROS in some pathological conditions. Decreased tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) cofactor availability is involved in NOS dysfunction, leading to ROS production and reduced levels of NO. The regulation of NOSs by BH4 in cancer is controversial since BH4 has been reported as a pro-tumoral or an antitumoral molecule. Therefore, in this review, the role of BH4 in the control of NOS activity and its involvement in the capabilities acquired along tumor progression of different cancers was described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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18 pages, 1559 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Functional Diversity of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in Human Nose and Paranasal Sinuses: Contrasting Pathophysiological Aspects in Nasal Allergy and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

by Tomohiro Kawasumi, Sachio Takeno, Chie Ishikawa, Daisuke Takahara, Takayuki Taruya, Kota Takemoto, Takao Hamamoto, Takashi Ishino and Tsutomu Ueda

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(14), 7561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22147561 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3544

Abstract

The human paranasal sinuses are the major source of intrinsic nitric oxide (NO) production in the human airway. NO plays several roles in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and the regulation of airway inflammation through the expression of three NO synthase (NOS) isoforms. Measuring NO levels can contribute to the diagnosis and assessment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In symptomatic AR patients, pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulate the expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) in the inferior turbinate. Excessive amounts of NO cause oxidative damage to cellular components, leading to the deposition of cytotoxic substances. CRS phenotype and endotype classifications have provided insights into modern treatment strategies. Analyses of the production of sinus NO and its metabolites revealed pathobiological diversity that can be exploited for useful biomarkers. Measuring nasal NO based on different NOS activities is a potent tool for specific interventions targeting molecular pathways underlying CRS endotype-specific inflammation. We provide a comprehensive review of the functional diversity of NOS isoforms in the human sinonasal system in relation to these two major nasal disorders’ pathologies. The regulatory mechanisms of NOS expression associated with the substrate bioavailability indicate the involvement of both type 1 and type 2 immune responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitric Oxide Synthases: Regulation and Function 2021)

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