Nitric oxide synthase
Nitric Oxide Synthase
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (pronounced: Nye-trick Ox-ide Sin-thase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine. Nitric oxide is an important cellular signaling molecule, particularly in the cardiovascular system.
Etymology
The term "Nitric oxide synthase" is derived from the chemical reaction it catalyzes. "Nitric oxide" refers to the molecule produced, and "synthase" is a type of enzyme that synthesizes new molecules.
Function
Nitric oxide synthase plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It helps in the regulation of vascular tone, insulin secretion, airway tone, and peristalsis, and is involved in angiogenesis and neural development. It also has antimicrobial and anti-tumoral activities.
Types
There are three types of nitric oxide synthase:
- Endothelial NOS (eNOS)
- Neuronal NOS (nNOS)
- Inducible NOS (iNOS)
Each type has unique expression patterns and regulation mechanisms.
Related Terms
- Nitric Oxide: A gaseous signaling molecule produced by nitric oxide synthase.
- L-Arginine: An amino acid that is the substrate for nitric oxide synthase.
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes chemical reactions.
- Cardiovascular System: The system of the body that circulates blood and lymph fluid.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nitric oxide synthase
- Wikipedia's article - Nitric oxide synthase
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