Post-translational control of endothelial nitric oxide synthase: why isn't calcium/calmodulin enough?

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001 Dec;299(3):818-24.

Abstract

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is important for cardiovascular homeostasis, vessel remodeling, and angiogenesis. Given the impact of endothelium- derived nitric oxide (NO) in vascular biology, much work in the past several years has focused on the control of NO synthesis by regulatory proteins that influence its function. Indeed calcium-activated calmodulin is important for regulation of NOS activity. Herein we discuss why other proteins, in addition to calmodulin, are necessary for eNOS regulation and summarize the biology of negative and positive regulators of eNOS function in vitro, in cells, and in blood vessels.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Calcium