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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Structural basis of human NOX5 activation
Chenxi Cui1, Meiqin Jiang1, Nikhil Jain1
1Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN38105, USA.
Calcium binding to NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) activates superoxide production by increasing NADPH dynamics. This study reveals the molecular basis of NOX5 activation and its role in diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) produces superoxide radicals, impacting sperm motility and cardiac rhythm.
- NOX5 overexpression is linked to cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- The molecular mechanism of NOX5 activation by calcium signaling, specifically electron transfer, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of NOX5 activation by calcium.
- To understand how calcium binding triggers electron transfer from NADPH to FAD.
- To investigate the structural basis of NOX5 stability and enzymatic activity.
Main Methods:
- Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to capture NOX5 motions.
- Biochemical assays and mutagenesis analyses.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Main Results:
- Calcium binding to the EF-hand domain enhances NADPH dynamics.
- Increased NADPH dynamics facilitate electron transfer to FAD, leading to superoxide production.
- A novel zinc-binding motif crucial for NOX5 stability and activity was identified.
Conclusions:
- Calcium binding is the key activator of NOX5-mediated superoxide production.
- Structural insights reveal the mechanism of NOX5 activation and ROS modulation.
- Understanding NOX5 activation provides targets for treating related diseases.
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