title: Effects of nitric oxide on stem cell therapy.
abstract: The use of stem cells as a research tool and a therapeutic vehicle has demonstrated their great potential in the treatment of various diseases. With unveiling of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) universally present at various levels in nearly all types of body tissues, the potential therapeutic implication of nitric oxide (NO) has been magnified, and thus scientists have explored new treatment strategies involved with stem cells and NO against various diseases. As the functionality of NO encompasses cardiovascular, neuronal and immune systems, NO is involved in stem cell differentiation, epigenetic regulation and immune suppression. Stem cells trigger cellular responses to external signals on the basis of both NO specific pathways and concerted action with endogenous compounds including stem cell regulators. As potency and interaction of NO with stem cells generally depend on the concentrations of NO and the presence of the cofactors at the active site, the suitable carriers for NO delivery is integral for exerting maximal efficacy of stem cells. The innovative utilization of NO functionality and involved mechanisms would invariably alter the paradigm of therapeutic application of stem cells. Future prospects in NO-involved stem cell research which promises to enhance drug discovery efforts by opening new era to improve drug efficacy, reduce drug toxicity and understand disease mechanisms and pathways, were also addressed.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA.
authors.forename: Wuchen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: School of Computing and Engineering, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA.
authors.forename: Yugyung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA. Electronic address: leech@umkc.edu.
authors.forename: Chi H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; D003067:Coenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D055808:Drug Discovery; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000639:trends; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003067:Coenzymes; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase
keywords: Nitric oxide; Novel platforms for NO delivery; Stem cell therapy