The Simple Nitrogen Oxides and Human Health: Chemistry meets Biology
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
Nature utilizes the simplest nitrogen oxide, namely NO (nitric oxide), in a host of physiological processes including blood pressure control and alteration of protein function. Until the late 1980s, nitrogen oxides were viewed mainly as toxic compounds that contributed to atmospheric pollution and acid rain. It is now known that NO is biosynthesized in mammals by an iron-containing enzyme, and this area has received notable attention in the form of a Noble Prize. Thus, the role of the iron center in NO production needs to be investigated if we are to obtain a clearer understanding of how NO assists in the control of blood pressure. NO is also biologically active with the muscle protein myoglobin (Mb) and the blood protein hemoglobin (Hb) by binding to the iron centers in these proteins. It is also fascinating that NO is involved in insect physiology. Another simple nitrogen oxide is the ubiquitous nitrite anion that has been proposed to be a supplemental source of bioactive NO under low oxygen conditions. In this scenario, the Fe centers of Mb and Hb bind nitrite and activates it towards conversion to NO. How is that possible? It is likely that nature employs inorganic chemistry in a unique way to control the chemistry of the main group elements such as oxygen and nitrogen to ensure proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It is also interesting to note that nature uses the inorganic chemistry of iron in the chloroquine-dependent control of malaria and in the residue commonly associated with the dental condition gingivitis.
报告时间：10月28日（星期四）下午4:30 -5：30
邀请人：弓振斌 zbgong@xmu.edu.cn
