Interaction between nitric oxide signaling and gap junctions: effects on vascular function

Looft-Wilson, R.C., Billaud, M., Johnstone, S.R., Straub, A.C. and Isakson, B.E. (2012) Interaction between nitric oxide signaling and gap junctions: effects on vascular function. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: Biomembranes, 1818(8), pp. 1895-1902. (doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.07.031)

Abstract

Nitric oxide signaling, through eNOS (or possibly nNOS), and gap junction communication are essential for normal vascular function. While each component controls specific aspects of vascular function, there is substantial evidence for cross-talk between nitric oxide signaling and the gap junction proteins (connexins), and more recently, protein-protein association between eNOS and connexins. This review will examine the evidence for interaction between these pathways in normal and diseased arteries, highlight the questions that remain about the mechanisms of their interaction, and explore the possible interaction between nitric oxide signaling and the newly discovered pannexin channels. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Johnstone, Dr Scott
• Authors: Looft-Wilson, R.C., Billaud, M., Johnstone, S.R., Straub, A.C., and Isakson, B.E.
• Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General); Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology; Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: Biomembranes
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0005-2736
• ISSN (Online): 1879-2642
• Published Online: 28 July 2011