How enzymes that make nitric oxide are controlled
Defining Functional Dynamics of Multidomain Redox Enzymes
This project aims to uncover how the moving parts of nitric oxide–making enzymes work so scientists can design better treatments for conditions caused by nitric oxide imbalance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at the molecular machines in cells called multidomain enzymes, focusing on nitric oxide synthase proteins that play key roles in cell signaling and disease. Researchers will use a mix of advanced laboratory experiments, biophysical measurements, and computer modeling to watch how the enzyme domains move, bind partner proteins, and change after chemical tags are added. By combining multiple methods, they will build a detailed map of the different shapes the enzymes adopt and how those shapes control activity. The goal is to reveal regulatory mechanisms that could point to new ways to target these enzymes in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions linked to nitric oxide dysregulation, such as certain cardiovascular, inflammatory, or neurological disorders, would be the most likely to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to nitric oxide signaling or those needing immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to see direct short-term benefits from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug strategies that more precisely target nitric oxide synthase activity in diseases tied to nitric oxide imbalance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies have produced useful static ‘snapshots’ of these enzymes, but creating a fully integrated, dynamic picture of their regulation is relatively novel and still evolving.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Changjian (Jim) — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Feng, Changjian (Jim)
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.