iNOS Active Protein

Nitric oxide is a reactive free radical which acts as a biologic mediator in several processes, including neurotransmission and antimicrobial and antitumoral activities. This gene encodes a nitric oxide synthase which is expressed in liver and is inducible by a combination of lipopolysaccharide and certain cytokines. Three related pseudogenes are located within the Smith-Magenis syndrome region on chromosome 17. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

iNOS: Produces nitric oxide (NO) which is a messenger molecule with diverse functions throughout the body. In macrophages, NO mediates tumoricidal and bactericidal actions. Also has nitrosylase activity and mediates cysteine S-nitrosylation of cytoplasmic target proteins such COX2. Homodimer. Binds SLC9A3R1. By endotoxins and cytokines. Induced by IFNG/IFN-gamma acting synergistically with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), TNF or IL1B/interleukin-1 beta. Expressed in the liver, retina, bone cells and airway epithelial cells of the lung. Not expressed in the platelets. Regulated by calcium/calmodulin. Aspirin inhibits expression and function of this enzyme and effects may be exerted at the level of translational/post-translational modification and directly on the catalytic activity. Belongs to the NOS family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: EC 1.14.13.39; Amino Acid Metabolism - arginine and proline; Oxidoreductase

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 17q11.2

Cellular Component: cortical cytoskeleton; perinuclear region of cytoplasm; cytoplasm; peroxisome; intracellular; nucleus; cytosol

Molecular Function: calmodulin binding; protein binding; protein homodimerization activity; FAD binding; NADPH-hemoprotein reductase activity; FMN binding; nitric-oxide synthase activity; iron ion binding; heme binding; NADP binding; receptor binding

Biological Process: circadian rhythm; interaction with host; superoxide metabolic process; positive regulation of guanylate cyclase activity; positive regulation of killing of cells of another organism; defense response to Gram-negative bacterium; positive regulation of vasodilation; regulation of cell proliferation; regulation of cellular respiration; positive regulation of leukocyte mediated cytotoxicity; innate immune response in mucosa; response to bacterium; defense response to bacterium; peptidyl-cysteine S-nitrosylation; response to hypoxia; arginine catabolic process; negative regulation of blood pressure; blood coagulation; negative regulation of protein catabolic process; inflammatory response; nitric oxide biosynthetic process; regulation of insulin secretion; nitric oxide mediated signal transduction

Disease: Hypertension, Essential; Malaria, Susceptibility To