title: Beta-actin: a regulator of NOS-3.
abstract: Beta-actin is traditionally considered a structural protein that organizes and maintains the shape of nonmuscle cells, although data now indicate that beta-actin is also a signaling molecule. beta-actin is directly associated with nitric oxide synthase type 3 (NOS-3) in endothelial cells and platelets, and this interaction increases NOS-3 activity and the affinity of NOS-3 for heat shock protein 90 kD (Hsp90). The beta-actin-induced increase in NOS-3 activity may be caused directly by beta-actin, the binding of Hsp90 to NOS-3, or both. Alterations in the interaction between beta-actin and NOS-3 could be caused by changes either in the availability of beta-actin or in the affinity of NOS-3 for beta-actin, and these alterations probably contribute to vascular complications and platelet aggregation. Studies examining the interactions between NOS-3, beta-actin, and Hsp90 could potentially lead to the discovery of effective peptides for the treatment of diseases associated with impaired NOS-3 activity and nitric oxide release, such as systemic and pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and thrombotic diseases.
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. ysu@ufl.edu
authors: Yunchao
authors: Y
authors: Su
authors: Dmitry
authors: D
authors: Kondrikov
authors: Edward R
authors: ER
authors: Block
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D018841:HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D025941:Protein Interaction Mapping; D027602:Serum Response Element; D026362:Serum Response Factor / Q000502:physiology; D034421:Sus scrofa
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D018841:HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; D026362:Serum Response Factor; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III