NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2), also known as cytochrome b(558) subunit beta or Cytochrome b-245 heavy chain, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NOX2 gene (also called CYBB gene). [5] The protein is a superoxide generating enzyme which forms reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The CYBB gene encode cytochrome b-245, beta chain. This protein is subunit of a group of proteins that forms an enzyme complex called NADPH oxidase, which plays an essential role in the immune system. Within this complex, the cytochrome b-245, beta chain has an alpha chain partner (produced from the CYBA gene). Both alpha and beta chains are required for either to function and the NADPH oxidase complex requires both chains in order to be functional. It has been proposed as a primary component of the microbicidal oxidase system of phagocytes.
Nox2 is the catalytic, membrane-bound subunit of NADPH oxidase. It is inactive until it binds to the membrane-anchored p22phox, forming the heterodimer known as flavocytochrome b558. [6] After activation, the regulatory subunits p67phox, p47phox, p40phox and a GTPase, typically Rac, are recruited to the complex to form NADPH oxidase on the plasma membrane or phagosomal membrane. [7] Nox2 itself is composed of an N-terminal transmembrane domain that binds two heme groups, and a C-terminal domain that is able to bind to FAD and NADPH. [8]
Evidence has shown that it plays an important role in atherosclerotic lesion development in the aortic arch, thoracic, and abdominal aorta. [9] [10]
It has also been shown to play a part in determining the size of a myocardial infarction due to its connection to ROS, which play a role in myocardial reperfusion injury. This was a result of the relation between Nox2 and signaling necessary for neutrophil recruitment. [11] Furthermore, it increases global post-reperfusion oxidative stress, likely due to decreased STAT3 and Erk phosphorylation. [11]
In addition, it appears that hippocampal oxidative stress is increased in septic animals due to the actions of Nox2. This connection also came about through the actions of the chemically active ROS, which work as one of the main components that help in the development of neuroinflammation associated with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). [12] Endothelial Nox2 limits NF-κB activation and TLR4 expression, which in turn attenuates the severity of hypotension and systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). [13]
It seems that Nox2 also plays an important role in angiotensin II-mediated inward remodelling in cerebral arterioles due to the emittance of superoxides from Nox2-containing NADPH oxidases. [14]
CYBB deficiency is one of five described biochemical defects associated with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). [15] CGD is characterized by recurrent, severe infections to pathogens that are normally harmless to humans, such as the common mold Aspergillus niger, and can result from point mutations in the gene encoding Nox2. [8] In this disorder, there is decreased activity of phagocyte NADPH oxidase; neutrophils are able to phagocytize bacteria but cannot kill them in the phagocytic vacuoles. The cause of the killing defect is an inability to increase the cell's respiration and consequent failure to deliver activated oxygen into the phagocytic vacuole. [5] At least 34 disease-causing mutations in this gene have been discovered. [16]
Since Nox2 was shown to play an essential role in determining the size of a myocardial infarction, the protein can be a potential target for drug medication due to its negative effect on myocardial reperfusion. [10]
Recent evidence highly suggests that Nox2 generates ROS which contribute to reduce flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in patients with periphery artery disease (PAD). Scientists have gone to conclude that administering an antioxidant helps with inhibiting Nox2 activity and allowing in the improvement of arterial dilation. [17]
Lastly, targeting Nox2 in the bone marrow could be a great therapeutic attempt at treating vascular injury during diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina), because the Nox2-generated ROS which are produced by the bone-marrow derived cells & local retinal cells are accumulating the vascular injury in the diabetic retina area. [18]
CYBB transcript levels are upregulated in the lung parenchyma of smokers. [19]
Nox2 has been shown to interact directly with podocyte TRPC6 channels. [20]
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), also known as Bridges–Good syndrome, chronic granulomatous disorder, and Quie syndrome, is a diverse group of hereditary diseases in which certain cells of the immune system have difficulty forming the reactive oxygen compounds used to kill certain ingested pathogens. This leads to the formation of granulomas in many organs. CGD affects about 1 in 200,000 people in the United States, with about 20 new cases diagnosed each year.
Myeloperoxidase deficiency is a disorder featuring lack in either the quantity or the function of myeloperoxidase–an iron-containing protein expressed primarily in neutrophil granules. There are two types of myeloperoxidase deficiency: primary/inherited and secondary/acquired. Lack of functional myeloperoxidase leads to less efficient killing of intracellular pathogens, particularly Candida albicans, as well as less efficient production and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from the neutrophils to trap and kill extracellular pathogens. Despite these characteristics, more than 95% of individuals with myeloperoxidase deficiency experience no symptoms in their lifetime. For those who do experience symptoms, the most common symptom is frequent infections by Candida albicans. Individuals with myeloperoxidase deficiency also experience higher rates of chronic inflammatory conditions. Myeloperoxidase deficiency is diagnosed using flow cytometry or cytochemical stains. There is no treatment for myeloperoxidase deficiency itself. Rather, in the rare cases that individuals experience symptoms, these infections should be treated.
Respiratory burst is the rapid release of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, from different cell types.
NADPH oxidase is a membrane-bound enzyme complex that faces the extracellular space. It can be found in the plasma membrane as well as in the membranes of phagosomes used by neutrophil white blood cells to engulf microorganisms. Human isoforms of the catalytic component of the complex include NOX1, NOX2, NOX3, NOX4, NOX5, DUOX1, and DUOX2.
Nitro blue tetrazolium is a chemical compound composed of two tetrazole moieties. It is used in immunology for sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase. NBT serves as the oxidant and BCIP is the AP-substrate.
Anthony Segal FRS FMedSci is a British physician/scientist.
Neutrophil cytosol factor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NCF2 gene.
Neutrophil cytosol factor 1, also known as p47phox, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NCF1 gene.
NADPH oxidase 4 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NOX4 gene, and is a member of the NOX family of NADPH oxidases.
Cytochrome b-245 light chain is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CYBA gene involved in superoxide production and phagocytosis.
Cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1) also known as mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I (MT-CO1) is a protein that is encoded by the MT-CO1 gene in eukaryotes. The gene is also called COX1, CO1, or COI. Cytochrome c oxidase I is the main subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase complex. In humans, mutations in MT-CO1 have been associated with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia, Complex IV deficiency, colorectal cancer, sensorineural deafness, and recurrent myoglobinuria.
Cytochrome c oxidase II is a protein in eukaryotes that is encoded by the MT-CO2 gene. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, abbreviated COXII, COX2, COII, or MT-CO2, is the second subunit of cytochrome c oxidase. It is also one of the three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encoded subunits of respiratory complex IV.
RHO protein GDP dissociation inhibitor of Rho proteins regulates GDP/GTP exchange. The protein plays an important role in the activation of the oxygen superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase of phagocytes. This process requires the interaction of membrane-associated cytochrome b559 with 3 cytosolic components: p47-phox, p67-phox and a heterodimer of the small G-protein p21Rac1 and rho GDI. The association of p21rac and GDI inhibits dissociation of GDP from p21rac, thereby maintaining it in an inactive form. The proteins are attached via a lipid tail on p21rac that binds to the hydrophobic region of GDI. Dissociation of these proteins might be mediated by the release of lipids from membranes through the action of phospholipases. The lipids may then compete with the lipid tail on p21rac for the hydrophobic pocket on GDI.
Rac2 is a small signaling G protein, and is a member of the Rac subfamily of the family Rho family of GTPases. It is encoded by the gene RAC2.
Neutrophil cytosol factor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NCF4 gene.
Dual oxidase 2, also known as DUOX2 or ThOX2, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the DUOX2 gene. Dual oxidase is an enzyme that was first identified in the mammalian thyroid gland. In humans, two isoforms are found; hDUOX1 and hDUOX2. The protein location is not exclusive to thyroid tissue; hDUOX1 is prominent in airway epithelial cells and hDUOX2 in the salivary glands and gastrointestinal tract.
Dual oxidase 1, also known as DUOX1 or ThOX1, is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the DUOX1 gene. DUOX1 was first identified in the mammalian thyroid gland. In humans, two isoforms are found; hDUOX1 and hDUOX2. Human DUOX protein localization is not exclusive to thyroid tissue; hDUOX1 is prominent in airway epithelial cells and hDUOX2 in the salivary glands and gastrointestinal tract.
Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1, mitochondrial (COX4I1) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the COX4I1 gene. COX4I1 is a nuclear-encoded isoform of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit 4. Cytochrome c oxidase is a multi-subunit enzyme complex that couples the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen and contributes to a proton electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, acting as the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Antibodies against COX4 can be used to identify the inner membrane of mitochondria in immunofluorescence studies. Mutations in COX4I1 have been associated with COX deficiency and Fanconi anemia.
p22phox Protein, also known as the human neutrophil cytochrome b light chain (CYBA), is an essential component of the membrane-associated enzyme phagocyte NADPH-oxidase This enzyme uses NADH or NADPH as the electron donor for the one electron reduction of oxygen to produce superoxide anion, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a functionally important step for the antimicrobial activity of phagocytic cells. p22phox is also expressed in many other human cells such as endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, including those within the coronary arteries. Specific polymorphisms of the CYBA gene have been identified that are associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Edgar Pick is an Israeli immunologist who is Professor Emeritus of Immunology in the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel.