Background information
NOSTRIN (nitric oxide synthase trafficker isoform 1), also known as endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer, is a member of the Pombe Cdc15 homology (PCH) family of proteins. NOSTRIN is expressed in the vascular endothelial cells of highly vascularized tissues such as placenta, lung, kidney and heart. It consists of an N-terminal Cdc15 domain with an FCH (Fes/CIP homology) region, two coiled coil domains and a C-terminal SH3 domain. NOSTRIN typically exists as a trimer. It functions as an adaptor protein binding to caveolin-1 via an internal domain and NOS3 via its SH3 domain, forming a ternary complex which facilitates caveolar transport of NOS3. The NOS3 protein is responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO), a potent mediator in various biological processes. The translocation of NOS3 from the plasma membrane to intracellular vesicle-like structures diminishes NO production. NOSTRIN also interacts with Dynamin and N-WASP via its SH3 domain.
