Structural and (Pseudo-)Enzymatic Properties of Neuroglobin: Its Possible Role in Neuroprotection.

ABSTRACT: Neuroglobin (Ngb), the third member of the globin family, was discovered in human and murine brains in 2000. This monomeric globin is structurally similar to myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb) α and β subunits, but it hosts a bis-histidyl six-coordinated heme-Fe atom. Therefore, the heme-based reactivity of Ngb is modulated by the dissociation of the distal HisE7-heme-Fe bond, which reflects in turn the redox state of the cell. The high Ngb levels (~100-200 μM) present in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the optic nerve facilitate the O2 buffer and delivery. In contrast, the very low levels of Ngb (~1 μM) in most tissues and organs support (pseudo-)enzymatic properties including NO/O2 metabolism, peroxynitrite and free radical scavenging, nitrite, hydroxylamine, hydrogen sulfide reduction, and the nitration of aromatic compounds. Here, structural and (pseudo-)enzymatic properties of Ngb, which are at the root of tissue and organ protection, are reviewed, envisaging a possible role in the protection from neuronal degeneration of the retina and the optic nerve.

SUBMITTER: De Simone G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8699588 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature