6533b85ffe1ef96bd12c26b9

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Small molecule inhibitors and stimulators of inducible nitric oxide synthase in cancer cells from natural origin (phytochemicals, marine compounds, antibiotics)

Nadire ÖZenverThomas A. Efferth

subject

0301 basic medicineGene isoformPhytochemicalsNitric Oxide Synthase Type IIVasodilationmedicine.disease_causeBiochemistryNitric oxide03 medical and health scienceschemistry.chemical_compound0302 clinical medicineNeoplasmsmedicineAnimalsHumansEnzyme InhibitorsPharmacologyBiological ProductsNatural productMolecular StructurebiologySmall moleculeAnti-Bacterial AgentsEnzyme ActivationNitric oxide synthase030104 developmental biologyBiochemistrychemistry030220 oncology & carcinogenesisCancer cellbiology.proteinCarcinogenesis

description

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are a family of isoforms, which generate nitric oxide (NO). NO is one of the smallest molecules in nature and acts mainly as a potent vasodilator. It participates in various biological processes ranging from physiological to pathological conditions. Inducible NOS (iNOS, NOS2) is a calcium-independent and inducible isoform. Despite high iNOS expression in many tumors, the role of iNOS is still unclear and complex with both enhancing and prohibiting actions in tumorigenesis. Nature presents a broad variety of natural stimulators and inhibitors, which may either promote or inhibit iNOS response. In the present review, we give an overview of iNOS-modulating agents with a special focus on both natural and synthetic molecules and their effects in related biological processes. The role of iNOS in physiological and pathological conditions is also discussed.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2019-10-26Biochemical Pharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113792