Caveolin-1 detergent solubility and association with endothelial nitric oxide synthase is modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation

Caveolin-1: A Review of Intracellular Functions, Tissue-Specific Roles, and Epithelial Tight Junction Regulation

Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is a vital protein for many cellular processes and is involved in both the positive and negative regulation of these processes. Cav1 exists in multiple cellular compartments depending on its role. Of particular interest is its contribution to the formation of plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae and its involvement in cytoskeletal interactions, endocytosis, and cholesterol trafficking. Cav1 participates in stem cell differentiation as well as proliferation and cell death pathways, which is implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, Cav1 has tissue-specific functions that are adapted to the requirements of the cells within those tissues. Its role has been described in adipose, lung, pancreatic, and vascular tissue and in epithelial barrier maintenance. In both the intestinal and the blood brain barriers, Cav1 has significant interactions with junctional complexes that manage barrier integrity. Tight junctions have a close relationship with Cav1 and this relationship affects both their level of expression and their location within the cell. The ubiquitous nature of Cav1 both within the cell and within specific tissues is what makes the protein important for ongoing research as it can assist in further understanding pathophysiologic processes and can potentially be a target for therapies.

The SWELL1-LRRC8 complex regulates endothelial AKT-eNOS signaling and vascular function

The endothelium responds to numerous chemical and mechanical factors in regulating vascular tone, blood pressure, and blood flow. The endothelial volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) has been proposed to be mechanosensitive and thereby sense fluid flow and hydrostatic pressure to regulate vascular function. Here, we show that the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8a, LRRC8A (SWELL1), is required for VRAC in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Endothelial LRRC8A regulates AKT-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling under basal, stretch, and shear-flow stimulation, forms a GRB2-Cav1-eNOS signaling complex, and is required for endothelial cell alignment to laminar shear flow. Endothelium-restricted Lrrc8a KO mice develop hypertension in response to chronic angiotensin-II infusion and exhibit impaired retinal blood flow with both diffuse and focal blood vessel narrowing in the setting of type 2 diabetes (T2D). These data demonstrate that LRRC8A regulates AKT-eNOS in endothelium and is required for maintaining vascular function, particularly in the setting of T2D.

Systems-wide analysis unravels the new roles of CCM signal complex (CSC)

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are characterized by abnormally dilated intracranial capillaries that result in increased susceptibility to stroke. Three genes have been identified as causes of CCMs; KRIT1 (CCM1), MGC4607 (CCM2) and PDCD10 (CCM3); one of them is disrupted in most CCM cases. It was demonstrated that both CCM1 and CCM3 bind to CCM2 to form a CCM signaling complex (CSC) to modulate angiogenesis. In this report, we deployed both RNA-seq and proteomic analysis of perturbed CSC after depletion of one of three CCM genes to generate interactomes for system-wide studies. Our results demonstrated a unique portrait detailing alterations in angiogenesis and vascular integrity. Interestingly, only in-direct overlapped alterations between RNA and protein levels were detected, supporting the existence of multiple layers of regulation in CSC cascades. Notably, this is the first report identifying that both β4 integrin and CAV1 signaling are downstream of CSC, conveying the angiogenic signaling. Our results provide a global view of signal transduction modulated by the CSC, identifies novel regulatory signaling networks and key cellular factors associated with CSC.

Caveolin-1: An Oxidative Stress-Related Target for Cancer Prevention

Aberrant oxidative metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Reactive species overproduction could promote carcinogenesis via inducing genetic mutations and activating oncogenic pathways, and thus, antioxidant therapy was considered as an important strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a constituent protein of caveolae, has been shown to mediate tumorigenesis and progression through oxidative stress modulation recently. Reactive species could modulate the expression, degradation, posttranslational modifications, and membrane trafficking of Cav-1, while Cav-1-targeted treatments could scavenge the reactive species. More importantly, emerging evidences have indicated that multiple antioxidants could exert antitumor activities in cancer cells and protective activities in normal cells by modulating the Cav-1 pathway. Altogether, these findings indicate that Cav-1 may be a promising oxidative stress-related target for cancer antioxidant prevention. Elucidating the underlying interaction mechanisms between oxidative stress and Cav-1 is helpful for enhancing the preventive effects of antioxidants on cancer, for improving clinical outcomes of antioxidant-related therapeutics in cancer patients, and for developing Cav-1 targeted drugs. Herein, we summarize the available evidence of the roles of Cav-1 and oxidative stress in tumorigenesis and development and shed novel light on designing strategies for cancer prevention or treatment by utilizing the interaction mode between Cav-1 and oxidative stress.

Transcriptional and Posttranslational Regulation of eNOS in the Endothelium

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive free radical gas and these unique properties have been adapted for a surprising number of biological roles. In neurons, NO functions as a neurotransmitter; in immune cells, NO contributes to host defense; and in endothelial cells, NO is a major regulator of blood vessel homeostasis. In the vasculature, NO is synthesized on demand by a specific enzyme, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) that is uniquely expressed in the endothelial cells that form the interface between the circulating blood and the various tissues of the body. NO regulates endothelial and blood vessel function via two distinct pathways, the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and cGMP-dependent signaling and the S-nitrosylation of proteins with reactive thiols (S-nitrosylation). The chemical properties of NO also serve to reduce oxidation and regulate mitochondrial function. Reduced synthesis and/or compromised biological activity of NO precede the development of cardiovascular disease and this has generated a high level of interest in the mechanisms controlling the synthesis and fate of NO in the endothelium. The amount of NO produced results from the expression level of eNOS, which is regulated at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels as well as the acute posttranslational regulation of eNOS. The goal of this chapter is to highlight and integrate past and current knowledge of the mechanisms regulating eNOS expression in the endothelium and the posttranslational mechanisms regulating eNOS activity in both health and disease.

Caveolin-1 in the anterior cingulate cortex modulates chronic neuropathic pain via regulation of NMDA receptor 2B subunit

Chronic pain is still a basic science and clinical challenge. Unraveling of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in chronic pain will offer novel targets for the development of therapeutic strategies. It is well known that central sensitization in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a critical role in initiation, development, and maintenance of chronic pain. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Here, we reported that caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a scaffolding protein in membrane rafts, was persistently upregulated and activated in the ACC neurons after chronic constriction injury (CCI) in mice. Knockdown or blocking of Cav-1 in the contralateral ACC to the injury side reversed CCI-induced pain behavioral and neuronal sensitization and overexpression of Cav-1 in the ipsilateral ACC-induced pain behavior in the unaffected hindpaw. Furthermore, we found that Cav-1 directly binding with NMDA receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) and promotion of NR2B surface levels in the ACC contributed to modulation of chronic neuropathic pain. Disrupting the interaction of Cav-1 and NR2B through microinjection of a short peptide derived from the C-terminal of NR2B into the ACC exhibited a significant anti-nociception effect associated with decrease of surface NR2B expression. Moreover, Cav-1 increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and activated the ERK/CREB signaling pathway in an NR2B-dependent manner in the ACC. Our findings implicate that Cav-1 in the ACC neurons modulates chronic neuropathic pain via regulation of NR2B and subsequent activation of ERK/CREB signaling, suggesting a possible caveolin-mediated process would participate in neuronal transmission pathways implicated in pain modulation.

Significance of caveolin-1 regulators in pancreatic cancer

Caveolin-1 is a scaffold protein on the cell membrane. As the main component of caveolae, caveolin-1 is involved in many biological processes that include substance uptake and transmembrane signaling. Many of these processes and thus caveolin-1 contribute to cell transformation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Of particular interest are the dual rolesof tumor suppressor and oncogene that caveolin-1 appear to play in different malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. Therefore, analyzing caveolin-1 regulators and understanding their mechanisms of actionis key to identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for pancreatic cancer. This review details the mechanisms of action of caveolin-1 regulators and the potential significance for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Biomechanical force in blood development: extrinsic physical cues drive pro-hematopoietic signaling

The hematopoietic system is dynamic during development and in adulthood, undergoing countless spatial and temporal transitions during the course of one's life. Microenvironmental cues in the many unique hematopoietic niches differ, characterized by distinct soluble molecules, membrane-bound factors, and biophysical features that meet the changing needs of the blood system. Research from the last decade has revealed the importance of substrate elasticity and biomechanical force in determination of stem cell fate. Our understanding of the role of these factors in hematopoiesis is still relatively poor; however, the developmental origin of blood cells from the endothelium provides a model for comparison. Many endothelial mechanical sensors and second messenger systems may also determine hematopoietic stem cell fate, self renewal, and homing behaviors. Further, the intimate contact of hematopoietic cells with mechanosensitive cell types, including osteoblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and pericytes, places them in close proximity to paracrine signaling downstream of mechanical signals. The objective of this review is to present an overview of the sensors and intracellular signaling pathways activated by mechanical cues and highlight the role of mechanotransductive pathways in hematopoiesis.

Caveolin-1: role in cell signaling

Caveolins (Cavs) are integrated plasma membrane proteins that are complex signaling regulators with numerous partners and whose activity is highly dependent on cellular context. Cavs are both positive and negative regulators of cell signaling in and/or out of caveolae, invaginated lipid raft domains whose formation is caveolin expression dependent. Caveolins and rafts have been implicated in membrane compartmentalization; proteins and lipids accumulate in these membrane microdomains where they transmit fast, amplified and specific signaling cascades. The concept of plasma membrane organization within functional rafts is still in exploration and sometimes questioned. In this chapter, we discuss the opposing functions of caveolin in cell signaling regulation focusing on the role of caveolin both as a promoter and inhibitor of different signaling pathways and on the impact of membrane domain localization on caveolin functionality in cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis and migration.

eNOS activation and NO function: structural motifs responsible for the posttranslational control of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity

Rather than being a constitutive enzyme as was first suggested, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is dynamically regulated at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels. This review will focus on how changes in eNOS function are conferred by various posttranslational modifications. The latest knowledge regarding eNOS targeting to the plasma membrane will be discussed as the role of protein phosphorylation as a modulator of catalytic activity. Furthermore, new data are presented that provide novel insights into how disruption of the eNOS dimer prevents eNOS uncoupling and the production of superoxide under conditions of elevated oxidative stress and identifies a novel regulatory region we have termed the 'flexible arm'.

Caveolin-1 is a competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) with heme: identification of a minimum sequence in caveolin-1 for binding to HO-1

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the O(2)-dependent degradation of heme to biliverdin IXα, carbon monoxide (CO), and free ferrous iron through a multistep mechanism. Electrons required for HO catalysis in mammals are provided by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Recently, Kim et al. reported for the first time that HO, especially inducible HO-1, appears in caveolae and showed that caveolin-1, a principal isoform of the caveolin family, physically interacts with HO-1 [ Jung , N. H. et al. ( 2003 ) IUBMB Life 55 , 525 - 532 ; Kim , H. P. et al. ( 2004 ) FASEB J. 18 , 1080 - 1089 ]. In the present study, we confirmed by immunoprecipitation experiments that rat HO-1 and rat caveolin-1 (residues 1-101) directly interact with each other and that the HO-1 activity is inhibited by caveolin-1 (1-101). The 82-101 residues of caveolin-1 (CAV(82-101)), called the caveolin scaffolding domain, play essential roles in caveolin-related protein-protein interactions. The HO-1 activity is also inhibited by CAV(82-101) in a competitive manner with hemin, and a hemin titration experiment showed that CAV(82-101) interferes with hemin binding to HO-1. The enzyme kinetics and surface plasmon resonance experiments gave comparable K(i) and K(D) values of 5.2 and 1.0 μM for CAV(82-101), respectively, with respect to the interaction with HO-1. These observations indicated that CAV(82-101) and hemin share a common binding site within the HO-1 protein. The identified caveolin binding motif (FLLNIELF) of rat HO-1 is incomplete compared to the proposed consensus sequence. The affinity between HO-1 and CAV(82-101), however, was almost completely or remarkably eliminated by replacement of Phe(207) and/or Phe(214) with Ala, indicating that HO-1 binds to caveolin-1 via this motif. Among the peptide fragments derived from CAV(82-101), i.e., CAV(82-91), CAV(87-96), CAV(92-101), and CAV(97-101), CAV(92-101) and CAV(97-101) are able to inhibit the HO-1 activity to a similar extent; thus, the five-amino acid sequence (residues 97-101) is considered to be a minimum sequence for binding to HO-1.

Sphingosine kinase 1 is critically involved in nitric oxide-mediated human endothelial cell migration and tube formation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sphingosine kinases (SKs) convert sphingosine to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which is a bioactive lipid that regulates a variety of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and migration.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We used the human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 to investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) donors on SK-1 expression, and on cell migration and tube formation.

KEY RESULTS

We showed that exposure of EA.hy926 cells to Deta-NO (125-1000 microM) resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent up-regulation of SK-1 mRNA and protein expression, and activity with a first significant effect at 250 microM of Deta-NO. The increased SK-1 mRNA expression resulted from an enhanced SK-1 promoter activity. A similar effect was also seen with various other NO donors. In mechanistic terms, the NO-triggered effect occurred independently of cGMP, but involved the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade because the MEK inhibitor U0126 abolished the NO-induced SK-1 expression. The effect of NO was also markedly reduced by the thiol-reducing agent N-acetylcysteine, suggesting a redox-dependent mechanism. Functionally, Deta-NO triggered an increase in the migration of endothelial cells in an adapted Boyden chamber assay, and also increased endothelial tube formation in a Matrigel assay. These responses were both abolished in cells depleted of SK-1.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data show that NO donors up-regulate specifically SK-1 expression and activity in human endothelial cells, and SK-1 in turn critically contributes to the migratory capability and tube formation of endothelial cells. Thus, SK-1 may be considered an attractive novel target to interfere with pathological processes involving angiogenesis.

Approaches for studying angiogenesis-related signal transduction

Understanding how extracellular growth factors activate intracellular pathways that promote angiogenesis is a broad area of research. In this chapter, we outline the systematic dissection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and other downstream targets that are relevant to the angiogenic response. These approaches may also be applied to most other angiogenic-factor signaling cascades.

Impairment of the vascular relaxation and differential expression of caveolin-1 of the aorta of diabetic +db/+db mice

In this study, we compared the endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of the isolated thoracic aorta of control (+db/+m) and diabetic (+db/+db) (C57BL/KsJ) mice. The gene expression (mRNA and protein) level of the muscarinic M(3) receptors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and caveolin-1 of the aorta was also evaluated. Acetylcholine caused a concentration-dependent, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (20 microM)-sensitive relaxation, with approximately 100% relaxation at 10 microM, in +db/+m mice. In +db/+db mice, the acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly smaller (maximum relaxation: approximately 80%). The sodium nitroprusside-mediated relaxation was slightly diminished in +db/+db mice, compared to +db/+m mice. However, there was no significant difference in the isoprenaline- and cromakalim-induced relaxation observed in both species. The mRNA and protein expression levels of caveolin-1 were significantly higher in the aorta of +db/+db mice. In contrast, there was no difference in the mRNA and protein expression levels of eNOS and muscarinic M(3) receptors between these mice. Our results demonstrate that the impairment of the acetylcholine-induced, endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation observed in +db/+db mice was probably associated with an enhanced expression of caveolin-1 mRNA and protein.

Direct Interaction of the Cell Division Cycle 37 Homolog Inhibits Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity

Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) via the production of NO in the endothelium plays a key role in cardiovascular biology and is tightly regulated by co- and posttranslational mechanisms, phosphorylation, and protein–protein interactions. The cell division cycle 37 homolog (Cdc37) is a key heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) cochaperone for protein kinase clients, and Akt/Hsp90 interaction is dependent on Cdc37. Because both Hsp90 and Akt are key eNOS regulatory proteins, we hypothesized that Cdc37 interacts with eNOS as part of the regulatory complex. In the present study, we demonstrate by coimmunoprecipitation and affinity purification in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) that Cdc37 is complexed with eNOS, Hsp90, and Akt. In addition, cell fractionation data indicate that Cdc37 is found in caveolae with eNOS. Further analysis by in vitro binding assays reveals a direct interaction between purified Cdc37 and eNOS. Incubation of purified Cdc37 with purified wild-type eNOS decreases eNOS activity in vitro. Overexpression of wild-type Cdc37 in BAECs inhibits eNOS activity and NO release, whereas overexpression of S13A-Cdc37 mutant in BAECs increases eNOS activity and NO release. Taken together, these data suggest that Cdc37 has a direct regulatory interaction with eNOS and may play an important role in mediating the eNOS protein complex formation as well as subsequent eNOS phosphorylation and activation.

LPS inhibits endothelin-1-induced endothelial NOS activation in hepatic sinusoidal cells through a negative feedback involving caveolin-1

During endotoxemia, liver microcirculation disruption is characterized by a hypersensitivity to the constrictor effects of endothelin 1 (ET-1). The shift of ET-1-mediated effects toward vasoconstriction may result from depressed ET-1-mediated vasodilation through decreased ET-1-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. We have previously shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment abrogates ET-1-induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) translocation, but its effects on eNOS activation are yet to be determined. Our aim was to assess the effects of LPS on ET-1-mediated eNOS activation in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. SECs were treated with LPS (100 ng/mL) for 6 hours followed by 30 minutes ET-1 (10 nmol/L) stimulation. LPS significantly inhibited ET-1-mediated eNOS activation. This inhibition was associated with upregulation of Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) and a shift in ET-1-mediated eNOS phosphorylation from an activation (Ser1177) to an inhibition (Thr495). LPS treatment has been shown to induce ET-1 expression and secretion from endothelial cells. We therefore investigated the role of endogenous ET-1 in the inhibition of ET-1 activation of eNOS after LPS. Antagonizing ET-1 effects and blocking its activation in LPS pretreated SECs decreased the LPS-induced overexpression of CAV-1 as well as the inhibition of ET-1-induced NOS activity. Furthermore, 6 hours of ET-1 treatment exerted the same effects on eNOS activity, phosphorylation, and CAV-1 expression as LPS treatment. In conclusion, LPS-induced suppression of ET-1-mediated eNOS activation is ET-1 dependent and suggest a pivotal role of CAV-1 in eNOS induction inhibition under stress.

Effects of cocaine on nitric oxide production in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells

Cocaine decreases coronary artery endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. To explore the potential mechanisms, the present study examined the effect of cocaine on nitric oxide release in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells (BCAECs). In the absence of cocaine, basal nitric oxide release from BCAECs continued to accumulate in the medium over the period from 6 to 72 h. Cocaine significantly decreased nitric oxide release at each time point of the study. At 48-h treatment, cocaine (3-30 muM) produced a concentration-dependent decrease in nitric oxide release in BCAECs. In accordance with its inhibition of nitric oxide release, cocaine decreased endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) protein levels in BCAECs in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition to the prolonged effect, cocaine pretreatment for 1 h significantly decreased basal and ATP-induced nitric oxide release in BCAECs. Whereas acute cocaine treatment did not affect basal levels of free intracellular calcium concentrations in BCAECs, it significantly decreased the ATP-induced elevation of intracellular calcium and increased its time lag to reach the peak. A quantitative approach by immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that cocaine significantly increased eNOS localized at the cell membrane in BCAECs. Collectively, the results suggest that cocaine inhibits nitric oxide release in BCAECs by decreasing intracellular calcium mobilization, increasing the inactive state of eNOS, and decreasing eNOS protein levels.

Translocation of caveolin regulates stretch-induced ERK activity in vascular smooth muscle cells

Mechanical stress contributes to vascular disease related to hypertension. Activation of ERK is key to mediating cellular proliferation and vascular remodeling in response to stretch stress. However, the mechanism by which stretch mediates ERK activation in the vascular tissue is still unclear. Caveolin, a major component of a flasklike invaginated caveolae, acts as an adaptor protein for an integrin-mediated signaling pathway. We found that cyclic stretch transiently induced translocation of caveolin from caveolae to noncaveolar membrane sites in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This translocation of caveolin was determined by detergent solubility, sucrose gradient fractionation, and immunocytochemistry. Cyclic stretch induced ERK activation; the activity peaked at 5 min (the early phase), decreased gradually, but persisted up to 120 min (the late phase). Disruption of caveolae by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, decreasing the caveolar caveolin and accumulating the noncaveolar caveolin, enhanced ERK activation in both the early and late phases. When endogenous caveolins were downregulated, however, the late-phase ERK activation was subsided completely. Caveolin, which was translocated to noncaveolar sites in response to stretch, is associated with beta1-integrins as well as with Fyn and Shc, components required for ERK activation. Taken together, caveolin in caveolae may keep ERK inactive, but when caveolin is translocated to noncaveolar sites in response to stretch stress, caveolin mediates stretch-induced ERK activation through an association with beta1-integrins/Fyn/Shc. We suggest that stretch-induced translocation of caveolin to noncaveolar sites plays an important role in mediating stretch-induced ERK activation in VSMCs.

ACh-induced endothelial NO synthase translocation, NO release and vasodilatation in the hamster microcirculation in vivo

Studies in cultured cells show that activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) requires the dissociation of this enzyme from its inhibitory association with caveolin-1 (Cav-1), and perhaps its translocation from plasma membrane caveolae to other cellular compartments. We investigated the hypothesis that in vivo NO-dependent vasodilatation is associated with the translocation of eNOS from the cell membrane. To this end, we applied ACh topically (10-100 microM for 10 min) to the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation and measured NO production, blood flow and vessel diameter, and assessed subcellular eNOS distribution by Western blotting. Baseline NO production was 54.4 +/- 5.2 pmol min(-1) (n = 16). ACh increased NO release, caused arteriolar and venular dilatation and elevated microvascular flow. These responses were inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (30 microM). The maximal increase in NO production induced by 10 microM and 100 microM ACh was 45 +/- 20 % and 111 +/- 33 %, respectively; the corresponding blood flow increases were 50 +/- 10 % and 130 +/- 24 %, respectively (n = 4-6). Both responses followed a similar time course, although increases in NO preceded flow changes. In non-stimulated tissues, eNOS was distributed mainly in the microsomal fraction. ACh-induced vasodilatation was associated with eNOS translocation to the cytosolic and Golgi-enriched fractions. After 1.5, 3.0 or 6.0 min of application, 10 microM ACh decreased the level of membrane-bound eNOS by -13 +/- 4 %, -60 +/- 4 % and -19 +/- 17 %, respectively; at the same time points, 100 microM ACh reduced microsomal eNOS content by -38 +/- 9 %, -61 +/- 16 % and -40 +/- 18 %, respectively (n = 4-5). In all cases, microsomal Cav-1 content did not change. The close ACh concentration dependence and the concomitance between eNOS subcellular redistribution and NO release support the concept that eNOS translocation from the plasma membrane is part of an activation mechanism that induces NO-dependent vasodilatation in vivo.

Role of sphingomyelinase and ceramide in modulating rafts: do biophysical properties determine biologic outcome?

Recent biophysical data suggest that the properties of ceramide observed in model membranes may apply to biological systems. In particular, the ability of ceramide to form microdomains, which coalesce into larger platforms or macrodomains, appears to be important for some cellular signaling processes. Several laboratories have now demonstrated similar reorganization of plasma membrane sphingolipid rafts, via ceramide generation, into macrodomains. This event appeared necessary for signaling upon activation of a specific set of cell surface receptors. In this article, we review the properties and functions of rafts, and the role of sphingomyelinase and ceramide in the biogenesis and re-modeling of these rafts. As clustering of some cell surface receptors in these domains may be critical for signal transduction, we propose a new model for transmembrane signal transmission.

Desensitization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by receptor agonists

Stimulation of endothelial cells with receptor agonists leads to an activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) that only lasts for a short duration. A more prolonged effect, however, is observed in response to non-receptor agonists, such as Ca2+ ionophores or thapsigargin (TG). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid deactivation of eNOS after stimulation with receptor agonists, we measured the time courses of eNOS activation and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in response to bradykinin (BK) and ATP. Incubation of porcine aortic endothelial cells with BK (1 microM) in the presence of 3 mM extracellular Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i from 110 to 350 nM and enhanced the rate of l-[3H]citrulline formation from 0.1 to 5 fmol/min. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the BK-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was only marginal (from 30 to 110 nM) and not sufficient to activate eNOS. When Ca(2+) (final concentration 3 mM) was added 10 min after BK, [Ca2+]i increased to 330 nM within 3 min, but interestingly, formation of l-[3H]citrulline was not detectable. A similar phenomenon was observed with ATP, but not with Ca2+ ionophores or TG. This indicates that stimulation of endothelial cells with receptor agonists leads to desensitization of eNOS, which renders the enzyme insensitive to activation by subsequent increases in [Ca2+]i. However, when ATP was added to BK-pretreated cells or, conversely, BK to ATP-pretreated cells, activation of eNOS was comparable with that of untreated cells, suggesting that BK and ATP affect different pools of eNOS. The desensitization of eNOS was reversible, since removal of ATP or BK from the incubation buffer restored the response to the respective agonist within 20 min. In addition to the transient Ca2+ signal, desensitization of eNOS may represent a further mechanism by which endothelial cells rapidly terminate receptor-dependent NO formation.

Nitric oxide synthase expression and function in embryonic and adult cardiomyocytes

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule that plays a relevant role in different cell systems, among them the adult heart. The effects of NO are primarily mediated through modulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis, myofibrillar contractility, and metabolic regulation in cardiomyocytes. Recent evidence also suggests an important role of NO for cardiomyogenesis by modulating proliferation and differentiation and regulating cardiac function. In the embryonic, but also the healthy and diseased, adult mammalian heart, the inducible (iNOS) and the endothelial (eNOS) nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are detected. However, the expression pattern of NO and its function differ during development. Furthermore, under pathophysiological conditions NOS expression can also change and cause impairment of cardiac performance and cytotoxic effects. The present review focuses on the role and function of NO during cardiomyogenesis, the mechanisms responsible for eNOS availability, and the paracrine effects of NO generated by cardiomyocytes.

Ischemia increases detectable endothelial nitric oxide synthase in rat and human myocardium

The aims of the present study were to establish if myocardial ischemia/reperfusion is associated with altered eNOS activity and if myocardial eNOS detection depends on its activity. We determined detectable eNOS in (1) myocardium of isolated perfused rat hearts subjected to either global or regional ischemia and (2) in left ventricular biopsies from patients undergoing two different methods of myocardial protection (i.e., intermittent cold blood cardioplegia and continuous coronary perfusion with warm, beta-blocker-enriched blood) during coronary artery surgery. NOS detection was performed by NADPH-d staining and three eNOS-antibodies against different eNOS epitopes. In addition, activity dependent alteration of detectable eNOS was proofed by bradykinin treatment for 2 to 10 min. Ischemic and receptor mediated eNOS activation increased NADPH-d reactivity and eNOS immunoreaction as measured by antibodies against either amino acids of a central bovine eNOS domain or the human eNOS N-terminal end. In contrast, the antibody against the human eNOS C-terminal end exhibited no alteration of eNOS immunoreaction. The transient eNOS activation was associated with increased cGMP content. In human myocardium subjected to ischemia during cardiac surgery we found that early reperfusion increases eNOS activity. These data demonstrate a strong association between myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and increased eNOS activity as measured by immunocytochemical staining against specific eNOS epitopes. It appears that eNOS activation and subsequent NO release may act as a regulatory system to counter balance the potentially deleterious effects of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.

Cell biology of caveolae and caveolin

Originally described in the 1950s caveolae are morphologically identifiable as small omega-shaped plasma membrane invaginations present in most cell types. Caveolae are particularly abundant in adipocytes, fibroblasts, type 1 pneumocytes, endothelial and epithelial cells as well as in smooth and striated muscle cells. The first proposed function for caveolae was that of mediating the internalisation and transendothelial trafficking of solutes. Caveolae have been the object of intense research since the discovery of a biochemical marker protein, caveolin, in the early 1990s. Three genes encoding for caveolins have been characterised in mammals. Caveolins (18-24 kDa) are integral membrane proteins that constitute the major protein component of caveolar membrane in vivo. In addition to a structural role of caveolins in the formation of caveolae, caveolin protein interacts directly, and in a regulated manner, with a number of signalling molecules. We present here a general overview of the current knowledge on the structural role of caveolin in caveolae formation, and implication of caveolin in the control of cell signalling.

Can modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase explain the vasculoprotective actions of statins?

Statin-based drugs are the mainstay of therapy for coronary artery disease. Recent insights into the cellular mechanisms of this class of drugs suggest that modulation of nitric oxide synthesis contributes to their beneficial actions. These effects are independent of their lipid-lowering effects and result in enhanced nitric oxide release.

Mammalian sprouty-1 and -2 are membrane-anchored phosphoprotein inhibitors of growth factor signaling in endothelial cells

Growth factor-induced signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) plays a central role in embryonic development and in pathogenesis and, hence, is tightly controlled by several regulatory proteins. Recently, Sprouty, an inhibitor of Drosophila development-associated RTK signaling, has been discovered. Subsequently, four mammalian Sprouty homologues (Spry-1-4) have been identified. Here, we report the functional characterization of two of them, Spry-1 and -2, in endothelial cells. Overexpressed Spry-1 and -2 inhibit fibroblast growth factor- and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced proliferation and differentiation by repressing pathways leading to p42/44 mitogen-activating protein (MAP) kinase activation. In contrast, although epidermal growth factor-induced proliferation of endothelial cells was also inhibited by Spry-1 and -2, activation of p42/44 MAP kinase was not affected. Biochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of endogenous and overexpressed Spry-1 and -2 reveal that both Spry-1 and -2 are anchored to membranes by palmitoylation and associate with caveolin-1 in perinuclear and vesicular structures. They are phosphorylated on serine residues and, upon growth factor stimulation, a subset is recruited to the leading edge of the plasma membrane. The data indicate that mammalian Spry-1 and -2 are membrane-anchored proteins that negatively regulate angiogenesis-associated RTK signaling, possibly in a RTK-specific fashion.

In vivo assessment of microvascular nitric oxide production and its relation with blood flow

To assess the hypothesis that microvascular nitric oxide (NO) is critical to maintain blood flow and solute exchange, we quantified NO production in the hamster cheek pouch in vivo, correlating it with vascular dynamics. Hamsters (100-120 g) were anesthetized and prepared for measurement of microvessel diameters by intravital microscopy, of plasma flow by isotopic sodium clearance, and of NO production by chemiluminescence. Analysis of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) location by immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation revealed that eNOS was present in arterioles and venules and was 67 +/- 7% membrane bound. Basal NO release was 60.1 +/- 5.1 pM/min (n = 35), and plasma flow was 2.95 +/- 0.27 microl/min (n = 29). Local NO synthase inhibition with 30 microM N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine reduced NO production to 8.6 +/- 2.6 pmol/min (-83 +/- 5%, n = 9) and plasma flow to 1.95 +/- 0.15 microl/min (-28 +/- 12%, n = 17) within 30-45 min, in parallel with constriction of arterioles (9-14%) and venules (19-25%). The effects of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (10-30 microM) were proportional to basal microvascular conductance (r = 0.7, P < 0.05) and fully prevented by 1 mM L-arginine. We conclude that in this tissue, NO production contributes to 35-50% of resting microvascular conductance and plasma-tissue exchange.

Cellular regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Renal function is highly dependent on endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). Several renal disorders have been linked to impaired NO bioavailability. The enzyme that is responsible for the synthesis of NO within the renal endothelium is endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). eNOS-mediated NO generation is a highly regulated cellular event, which is induced by calcium-mobilizing agonists and fluid shear stress. eNOS activity is regulated at the transcriptional level but also by a variety of modifications, such as acylation and phosphorylation, by its cellular localization, and by protein-protein interactions. The present review focuses on the complex regulation of eNOS within the endothelial cell.

Bradykinin activates the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in vascular endothelial cells: localization of JAK/STAT signalling proteins in plasmalemmal caveolae

Bradykinin (BK) is an important physiological regulator of endothelial cell function. In the present study, we have examined the role of the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway in endothelial signal transduction through the BK B2 receptor (B2R). In cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), BK activates Tyk2 of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases. Activation results in the tyrosine phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of STAT3. BK also activates the mitogen-activated p44 and p42 protein kinases, resulting in STAT3 serine phosphorylation. Furthermore, Tyk2 and STAT3 form a complex with the B2R in response to BK stimulation. Under basal conditions, Tyk2, STAT3 and the B2R are localized either partially or entirely in endothelial plasmalemmal caveolae. Following BK stimulation of BAECs, however, the B2R and STAT3 are translocated out of caveolae. Taken together, these data suggest that BK activates the JAK/STAT pathway in endothelial cells and that JAK/STAT signalling proteins are localized in endothelial caveolae. Moreover, caveolar localization of the B2R and STAT3 appears to be regulated in an agonist-dependent manner.

Reconstitution of an endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), hsp90, and caveolin-1 complex in vitro. Evidence that hsp90 facilitates calmodulin stimulated displacement of eNOS from caveolin-1

The activity of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated by its subcellular localization, phosphorylation and through its interaction with different proteins. The association of eNOS with caveolin-1 (Cav) is believed to maintain eNOS in an inactive state; however, increased association of eNOS to heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) is observed following activation. In this study, we investigate the relationship between caveolin and hsp90 as opposing regulatory proteins on eNOS function. Immunoprecipitation of Cav-1 from bovine lung microvascular endothelial cells shows that eNOS and hsp90 are present in the Cav-1 complex. eNOS and hsp90 from the lysate also interact with exogenous glutathione S-transferase-linked caveolin-1 (GST-Cav), and the addition of calcium-activated calmodulin (CaM) to the GST-Cav complex partially inhibited the association of eNOS and hsp90. Purified eNOS associates with GST-Cav specifically through the caveolin-scaffolding domain (residues 82-101); however, the addition of CaM slightly, but nonstatistically, reduces eNOS binding to GST-Cav. When hsp90 is present in the binding reaction, the addition of increasing concentrations of CaM significantly displaces eNOS and hsp90 from GST-Cav. eNOS enzymatic activity is also less sensitive to inhibition by the caveolin scaffolding peptide (residues 82-101) when eNOS is prebound to hsp90. Collectively, our results show that the actions of CaM on eNOS dissociation from caveolin are facilitated in the presence of hsp90.

Phenylarsine oxide inhibits nitric oxide synthase in pulmonary artery endothelial cells

The role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation during regulation of NO synthase (eNOS) activity in endothelial cells is poorly understood. Studies to define this role have used inhibitors of tyrosine kinase or tyrosine phosphatase (TP). Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), an inhibitor of TP, has been reported to bind thiol groups, and recent work from our laboratory demonstrates that eNOS activity depends on thiol groups at its catalytic site. Therefore, we hypothesized that PAO may have a direct effect on eNOS activity. To test this, we measured (i) TP and eNOS activities both in total membrane fractions and in purified eNOS prepared from porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells and (ii) sulfhydryl content and eNOS activity in purified bovine aortic eNOS expressed in Escherichia coli. High TP activity was detected in total membrane fractions, but no TP activity was detected in purified eNOS fractions. PAO caused a dose-dependent decrease in eNOS activity in total membrane and in purified eNOS fractions from porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, even though the latter had no detectable TP activity. PAO also caused a decrease in sulfhydryl content and eNOS activity in purified bovine eNOS. The reduction in eNOS sulfhydryl content and the inhibitory effect of PAO on eNOS activity were prevented by dithiothreitol, a disulfide-reducing agent. These results indicate that (i) PAO directly inhibits eNOS activity in endothelial cells by binding to thiol groups in the eNOS protein and (ii) results of studies using PAO to assess the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating eNOS activity must be interpreted with great caution.

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange facilitates Ca(2+)-dependent activation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase

Recent evidence suggests the expression of a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in vascular endothelial cells. To elucidate the functional role of endothelial NCX, we studied Ca(2+) signaling and Ca(2+)-dependent activation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) at normal, physiological Na(+) gradients and after loading of endothelial cells with Na(+) ions using the ionophore monensin. Monensin-induced Na(+) loading markedly reduced Ca(2+) entry and, thus, steady-state levels of intracellular free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in thapsigargin-stimulated endothelial cells due to membrane depolarization. Despite this reduction of overall [Ca(2+)](i), Ca(2+)-dependent activation of eNOS was facilitated as indicated by a pronounced leftward shift of the Ca(2+) concentration response curve in monensin-treated cells. This facilitation of Ca(2+)-dependent activation of eNOS was strictly dependent on the presence of Na(+) ions during treatment of the cells with monensin. Na(+)-induced facilitation of eNOS activation was not due to a direct effect of Na(+) ions on the Ca(2+) sensitivity of the enzyme. Moreover, the effect of Na(+) was not related to Na(+) entry-induced membrane depolarization or suppression of Ca(2+) entry, since neither elevation of extracellular K(+) nor the Ca(2+) entry blocker 1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazol e hydrochloride (SK&F 96365) mimicked the effects of Na(+) loading. The effects of monensin were completely blocked by 3', 4'-dichlorobenzamil, a potent and selective inhibitor of NCX, whereas the structural analog amiloride, which barely affects Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange, was ineffective. Consistent with a pivotal role of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange in Ca(2+)-dependent activation of eNOS, an NCX protein was detected in caveolin-rich membrane fractions containing both eNOS and caveolin-1. These results demonstrate for the first time a crucial role of cellular Na(+) gradients in regulation of eNOS activity and suggest that a tight functional interaction between endothelial NCX and eNOS may take place in caveolae.

Trafficking of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase in living cells. Quantitative evidence supporting the role of palmitoylation as a kinetic trapping mechanism limiting membrane diffusion

To examine endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) trafficking in living endothelial cells, the eNOS-deficient endothelial cell line ECV304 was stably transfected with an eNOS-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion construct and characterized by functional, biochemical, and microscopic analysis. eNOS-GFP was colocalized with Golgi and plasma membrane markers and produced NO in response to agonist challenge. Localization in the plasma membrane was dependent on the palmitoylation state, since the palmitoylation mutant of eNOS (C15S/C26S eNOS-GFP) was excluded from the plasma membrane and was concentrated in a diffuse perinuclear pattern. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) revealed eNOS-GFP in the perinuclear region moving 3 times faster than the plasmalemmal pool, suggesting that protein-lipid or protein-protein interactions are different in these two cellular domains. FRAP of the palmitoylation mutant was two times faster than that of wild-type eNOS-GFP, indicating that palmitoylation was influencing the rate of trafficking. Interestingly, FRAP of C15S/C26S eNOS-GFP but not wild-type eNOS-GFP fit a model of protein diffusion in a lipid bilayer. These data suggest that the regulation of eNOS trafficking within the plasma membrane and Golgi are probably different mechanisms and not due to simple diffusion of the protein in a lipid bilayer.

VEGF induces nuclear translocation of Flk-1/KDR, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and caveolin-1 in vascular endothelial cells

VEGF increases endothelial cell permeability and growth by a process requiring NOS activity. Because eNOS activity is regulated by its interaction with the caveolar structural protein caveolin-1, we analyzed VEGF effects on structural interactions between eNOS, caveolin-1 and the VEGF receptor Flk-1/KDR. Confocal immunolocalization analysis of the subcellular distribution of Flk-1/KDR, caveolin-1 and eNOS showed that VEGF stimulated the translocation of all three proteins into the nucleus. This result was confirmed by cell fractionation and immunoblotting studies showing that levels of all three proteins within the caveolar compartment declined progressively after 30 and 60 min of VEGF treatment. The pattern was reversed for nuclear fractions. Protein levels were lowest in the control cultures, but increased progressively after 30 and 60 min of treatment. Nuclear translocation of eNOS and Flk-1/KDR within caveolae may represent a mechanism for targeting NO production to the nuclear compartment where it could influence transcription factor activation.

Agonist-dependent difference in the relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ level and release of vascular relaxing factors in the endothelium of rabbit aortic valve

The correlation between changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and the release of vascular relaxing factor(s) was investigated in the endothelium of rabbit aortic valve. ATP, carbachol and thapsigargin increased endothelial [Ca2+]i in rabbit aortic valve loaded with a leakage resistant, fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura-PE3. Release of relaxing factors was bioassayed using the 'sandwich' preparation in which contraction was measured in the endothelium-denuded rabbit aorta attached to the endothelial surface of the valve. Addition of ATP, carbachol and thapsigargin induced sustained relaxation of the phenylephrine-induced contraction of the aorta in the 'sandwich' preparation. N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) greatly attenuated the relaxation induced by carbachol, and combined treatment with tetra-n-butylammonium completely inhibited the relaxation. These results suggest that the endothelial relaxing factors released from aortic valve are nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). When the increase in endothelial [Ca2+]i was plotted against the relaxation, the carbachol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i elicited greater relaxation than did ATP or thapsigargin at a given [Ca2+]i. This suggests that various agonists differently modulate the relationship between [Ca2+]i and release of NO.

Kalirin inhibition of inducible nitric-oxide synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter. However, excess NO produced from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) or inducible NOS (iNOS) during inflammation of the central nervous system can be neurotoxic, disrupting neurotransmitter and hormone production and killing neurons. A screen of a hippocampal cDNA library showed that a unique region of the iNOS protein interacts with Kalirin, previously identified as an interactor with a secretory granule peptide biosynthetic enzyme. Kalirin associates with iNOS in vitro and in vivo and inhibits iNOS activity by preventing the formation of iNOS homodimers. Expression of exogenous Kalirin in pituitary cells dramatically reduces iNOS inhibition of ACTH secretion. Thus Kalirin may play a neuroprotective role during inflammation of the central nervous system by inhibiting iNOS activity.

Angiotensin IV receptor-mediated activation of lung endothelial NOS is associated with vasorelaxation

The hexapeptide angiotensin (ANG) IV, a metabolic product of ANG II, has been reported to play a functional role in the regulation of blood flow in extrapulmonary tissues. Here, we demonstrate that ANG IV-specific (AT4) receptors are present in porcine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) and that the binding of ANG IV to AT4 receptors can be blocked by its antagonist divalinal ANG IV but not by the ANG II-, AT1-, and AT2-receptor blockers [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II, losartan, and PD-123177, respectively. ANG IV significantly increased endothelial cell constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) activity (P < 0.05) as well as cellular cGMP content (P < 0. 001). Western blot analysis revealed that ecNOS protein expression was comparable in control and ANG IV-stimulated cells. Divalinal ANG IV but not [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II, losartan, or PD-123177 inhibited the ANG II- and ANG IV-stimulated increases in ecNOS activity and cGMP content in PAECs. Incubation in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or methylene blue but not of indomethacin significantly diminished ANG IV-stimulated as well as basal levels of cGMP (P < 0.001). Similarly, in situ studies with precontracted porcine pulmonary arterial rings showed that ANG IV caused an endothelium-dependent relaxation that was blocked by L-NAME or methylene blue. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ANG IV binds to AT4 receptors, activates ecNOS by posttranscriptional modulation, stimulates cGMP accumulation in PAECs, and causes pulmonary arterial vasodilation, suggesting that ANG IV plays a role in the regulation of blood flow in the pulmonary circulation.

Expression of a NOS-III-like protein in human astroglial cell culture

Evidence for the presence of a type-III nitric oxide synthase-like protein (NOS-III-like protein) in astroglial cells is reported. The mRNA of a NOS-III-like protein is constitutively expressed in human astrocytoma T67 cells, taken as an astroglial model. The nucleotide sequence of the PCR product (422 bp) shares more than 99% identity with the cDNA (from 1588 to 2009) of the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS-III). The molecular mass of the astroglial NOS-III-like protein is about 140 kDa, as observed for human NOS-III. Moreover, the astroglial NOS-III-like protein is constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated with caveolin-1. The astroglial NOS-III-like protein is apparently inactive, as reported for phosphorylated human NOS-III associated with caveolin-1.

Ca2+-independent activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase in response to tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors and fluid shear stress

Fluid shear stress enhances NO formation via a Ca2+-independent tyrosine kinase inhibitor-sensitive pathway. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenylarsine oxide and of fluid shear stress on endothelial NO production as well as on the membrane association and phosphorylation of the NO synthase (NOS) III. Phenylarsine oxide (10 micromol/L) induced an immediate and maintained NO-mediated relaxation of isolated rabbit carotid arteries, which was insensitive to the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and the calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium. This phenylarsine oxide-induced vasodilatation was unaffected by genistein but abrogated by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin A. Incubation of native or cultured endothelial cells with phenylarsine oxide resulted in a time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of mainly Triton X-100-insoluble (cytoskeletal) proteins, along with a parallel change in the detergent solubility of NOS III, such that the enzyme was recovered in the cytoskeletal fraction. A similar, though slightly delayed, phenomenon was also observed after the application of fluid shear stress but not in response to any receptor-dependent agonist. Although Ca2+-independent NO formation was sensitive to erbstatin A, phenylarsine oxide treatment was associated with the tyrosine dephosphorylation of NOS III rather than its hyperphosphorylation. Proteins that also underwent redistribution in response to the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor included paxillin, phospholipase C-gamma1, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and the tyrosine kinases Src and Fyn. We envisage that fluid shear stress and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors may alter the conformation and/or protein coupling of NOS III, facilitating its interaction with specific phospholipids, proteins, and/or protein kinases that enhance/maintain its Ca2+-independent activation.