Nitric oxide synthase 1 (Neuronal nitric oxide synthase) (nNOS)

Nitric oxide synthase 1 (nNOS), also known as neuronal nitric oxide synthase, is a calcium-dependent enzyme primarily responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the central and peripheral nervous systems (Wikipedia, 2024; Abcam, 2024). It catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and NO, a gaseous signaling molecule that acts as an unconventional neurotransmitter involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory (IntechOpen, 2017; MDPI, 2023). Beyond the brain, nNOS is expressed in skeletal muscle and the cardiovascular system, where it regulates muscle contraction and vascular tone (Ma'ayan Lab, 2024; Abcam, 2024). Dysregulation of the nNOS pathway, particularly the overproduction of NO and subsequent nitrosative stress, is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as stroke-induced excitotoxicity and neuropathic pain (PMC, 2015; PubMed, 2024; MDPI, 2023). Therapeutic strategies focus on selective nNOS inhibitors or disruptors of the nNOS-PSD95 protein complex to mitigate neurotoxicity while avoiding off-target effects on endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) isoforms (PMC, 2016; PMC, 2021).

Other names

nNOSNOS1NOS-IbNOSIHPS1NC-NOSNitric oxide synthase, brain

Competitive inhibition of the L-arginine binding site, inhibition of enzyme dimerization, and disruption of the PSD95-nNOS protein-protein interaction.