Structure and mechanism of copper-carbonic anhydrase II: a nitrite reductase.

ABSTRACT: Nitric oxide (NO) promotes vasodilation through the activation of guanylate cyclase, resulting in the relaxation of the smooth muscle vasculature and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, its regulation is of interest for the treatment and prevention of heart disease. An example is pulmonary hypertension which is treated by targeting this NO/vasodilation pathway. In bacteria, plants and fungi, nitrite (NO₂ ^-) is utilized as a source of NO through enzymes known as nitrite reductases. These enzymes reduce NO₂ ^- to NO through a catalytic metal ion, often copper. Recently, several studies have shown nitrite reductase activity of mammalian carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), yet the molecular basis for this activity is unknown. Here we report

SUBMITTER: Andring JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7055381 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature