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Cardiovascular Research 2001 51(3):429-441; doi:10.1016/S0008-6363(01)00327-3
© 2001 by European Society of Cardiology
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Copyright © 2000, European Society of Cardiology

Molecular biology of natriuretic peptides and nitric oxide synthases

Bruce C Kone*

Departments of Internal Medicine and of Integrative Biology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin, MSB 4.138, Houston, TX 77030, USA

bruce.c.kone{at}uth.tmc.edu

* Tel.: +1-713-500-6873; fax: +1-713-500-6882

Natriuretic peptides and nitric oxide play important roles in cardiovascular and renal physiology and disease. The natriuretic peptides — atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and C-type natriuretic peptide — comprise a family of proteins that participate in the integrated control of intravascular volume and arterial blood pressure. The natriuretic peptides differentially bind distinct classes of receptors that signal through different mechanisms. Membrane-bound, guanylyl cyclase-coupled natriuretic peptide receptors (A- and B-types) mediate natriuretic peptide effects through the production of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). C-Type natriuretic peptide receptors, which lack the guanylyl cyclase domain, alter target cell function through Gi protein-coupled inhibition of membrane adenylyl cyclase activity, and also serve to clear circulating natriuretic peptides. The expression of the natriuretic peptides and their receptors are subject to complex controls. Similar structural and regulatory diversity exists for the nitric oxide synthases. The three nitric oxide synthase genes are regulated by a variety of mechanisms ranging from alternative splicing and alternative promoter usage to complex post-translational controls. This review highlights the molecular diversity of the natriuretic peptides and nitric oxide synthases and explores recent insights into their regulation.

KEYWORDS Natriuretic peptide; G proteins; Nitric oxide; Endothelial factors; Endothelial function; Signal transduction


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