Nitric oxide (NO) signalling and eNOS

The IVS has a long history of studying the mechanisms regulating the activity of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and the biological actions of NO. Recent work has focussed on elucidating the impact of NO on protein nitrosation and its consequences on metabolism and antioxidant responses that help prevent the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis. It was possible to demonstrate that NO bioavailability is regulated through the tyrosine phosphorylation of eNOS and that enhancing eNOS activity e.g. through inhibition of the tyrosine phosphatase VE-PTP, represents a novel therapeutic option for patients with cardiovascular disease. Current projects are investigating what we refer to as “epigeNOmics” i.e. the role of NO in regulation of endothelial gene expression and metabolism.