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Searching for Neuroglobin's role in the brain
Author(s) -
Nienhaus Karin,
Nienhaus G. Ulrich
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
iubmb life
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.132
H-Index - 113
eISSN - 1521-6551
pISSN - 1521-6543
DOI - 10.1080/15216540601188538
Subject(s) - neuroglobin , globin , heme , ligand (biochemistry) , reactive oxygen species , carbon monoxide , myoglobin , chemistry , oxygen storage , biophysics , molecular oxygen , function (biology) , oxygen , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , neuroscience , computational biology , biochemistry , hemoglobin , receptor , catalysis , enzyme , organic chemistry
Neuroglobin is a small globin that plays an important role in the protection of brain neurons from ischemic and hypoxic injuries. The molecular mechanisms by which Ngb performs its physiological function are still under debate. Suggestions include oxygen storage and delivery, scavenging of NO and/or reactive oxygen species, oxygen sensing and signal transduction. In recent years, the molecular structures of Ngb with carbon monoxide bound to the heme iron and without an exogenous ligand have been solved, and interesting structural changes have been noticed upon ligand binding. Moreover, equilibrium and kinetic properties of the reactions with ligands have been examined in great detail. Here we summarize the molecular properties of Ngb and discuss them in relation to the potential physiological functions.