iNOS

Function

Produces nitric oxide (NO) which is a messenger molecule with diverse functions throughout the body (PubMed:7504305, PubMed:7531687, PubMed:7544004, PubMed:7682706). In macrophages, NO mediates tumoricidal and bactericidal actions. Also has nitrosylase activity and mediates cysteine S-nitrosylation of cytoplasmic target proteins such PTGS2/COX2 (By similarity). As component of the iNOS-S100A8/9 transnitrosylase complex involved in the selective inflammatory stimulus-dependent S-nitrosylation of GAPDH on 'Cys-247' implicated in regulation of the GAIT complex activity and probably multiple targets including ANXA5, EZR, MSN and VIM (PubMed:25417112). Involved in inflammation, enhances the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL6 and IL8 (PubMed:19688109).

Post-translational modifications

Polyubiquitinated; mediated by SPSB1, SPSB2 and SPSB4, leading to proteasomal degradation.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the NOS family.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in the liver, retina, bone cells and airway epithelial cells of the lung. Not expressed in the platelets. Expressed in chondrocytes (PubMed:7504305).

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Cytosol
• Localizes as discrete foci scattered throughout the cytosol and in the presence of SPSB1 and SPSB4, exhibits a more diffuse cytosolic localization.

Alternative names

• NOS2A
• NOS2
• NOS2A
• Hepatocyte NOS
• Inducible NO synthase
• NOS type II
• Peptidyl-cysteine S-nitrosylase NOS2
• HEP-NOS
• Inducible NOS
• iNOS

Database links

• entrezGene:4843
• omim:163730
• swissprot:P35228

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology

Molecular weight

131117Da