Nitric Oxide Signaling  Project Overview  Nitric oxide (NO) is a
radical molecule that regulates neurotransmission, vasodilation,
and inflammation.  As an unconventional messenger molecule, NO
can modify heme iron, radicals, lipids, and thiol groups.  We
found that NO inhibits vascular inflammation by modifying a key
cysteine residue of the ATPase N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor
(NSF).  S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues of NSF blocks
granule trafficking in endothelial cells, platelets, and a
variety of other cell types.  We are now studying the
reversibility of NO signaling, exploring the role of thioredoxin
and other reductases in removing NO from cysteine residues.  TRX
restores   Charles J. Lowenstein, M.D. University of Rochester
601 Elmwood Ave, Box CVRI Rochester, New York 14642