Anti-iNOS+nNOS antibody [EP16634]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The iNOS and nNOS also called inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase are enzymes that produce nitric oxide (NO) a signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. iNOS and nNOS differ in their expression and regulation. iNOS is found in various tissues and is induced under inflammatory conditions while nNOS is constitutively expressed in neurons. The molecular weights of iNOS and nNOS are approximately 131 kDa and 160 kDa respectively. Both isoforms exist as homodimers facilitating the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and nitric oxide.

Biological function summary

Nitric oxide produced by these synthases acts as a neurotransmitter and an immune mediator. In neurons nNOS-derived NO modulates synaptic plasticity and cognitive function significantly affecting processes such as memory and learning. iNOS-derived NO has roles in host defense and inflammation. During immune responses iNOS expression increases and produces NO to help in pathogen destruction. Both enzymes are part of multi-protein complexes that include cofactors like NADPH FAD FMN and tetrahydrobiopterin all necessary for catalytic activity.

Pathways

The nitric oxide produced by iNOS and nNOS participates in the nitric oxide signaling pathway and the cyclic GMP (cGMP) pathway. Nitric oxide activates soluble guanylate cyclase in the cGMP pathway which in turn regulates various physiological processes including vasodilation. nNOS is related to synaptophysin through neuronal pathways affecting neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. iNOS is associated with cytokines like TNF-α and IFN-γ in inflammatory signaling pathways having roles in cell death and immune signaling.

Associated diseases and disorders

Nitric oxide dysregulation by iNOS and nNOS impacts numerous conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and chronic inflammation. In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's excessive NO production by nNOS can lead to neurotoxicity. Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis involve increased iNOS expression resulting in high levels of nitric oxide and consequent tissue damage. Both iNOS and nNOS through NO production interact with proteins such as amyloid-beta in Alzheimer’s and with various cytokines in inflammatory disorders.