Membrane binding mechanisms of the PX domains of NADPH oxidase p40phox and p47phox

Phox (PX) domains are phosphoinositide (PI)-binding domains with broad PI specificity. Two cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase, p40(phox) and p47(phox), contain PX domains. The PX domain of p40(phox) specifically binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, whereas the PX domain of p47(phox) has two lipid binding sites, one specific for phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and the other with affinity for phosphatidic acid or phosphatidylserine. To delineate the mechanisms by which these PX domains interact with PI-containing membranes, we measured the membrane binding of these domains and respective mutants by surface plasmon resonance and monolayer techniques and also calculated the electrostatic potentials of the domains as a function of PI binding. Results indicate that membrane binding of both PX domains is initiated by nonspecific electrostatic interactions, which is followed by the membrane penetration of hydrophobic residues. The membrane penetration of the p40(phox) PX domain is induced by phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, whereas that of the p47(phox) PX domain is triggered by both phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidic acid (or phosphatidylserine). Studies of enhanced green fluorescent protein-fused PX domains in HEK293 cells indicate that this specific membrane penetration is also important for subcellular localization of the two PX domains. Further studies on the full-length p40(phox) and p47(phox) proteins showed that an intramolecular interaction between the C-terminal Src homology 3 domain and the PX domain prevents the nonspecific monolayer penetration of p47(phox), whereas such an interaction is absent in p40(phox).     

Activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase protein p47(phox). Phosphorylation controls SH3 domain-dependent binding to p22(phox).

Activation of phagocyte NADPH oxidase requires interaction between p47(phox) and p22(phox). p47(phox) in resting phagocytes does not bind p22(phox). Phosphorylation of serines in the p47(phox) C terminus enables binding to the p22(phox) C terminus by inducing a conformational change in p47(phox) that unmasks the SH3A domain. We report that an arginine/lysine-rich region in the p47(phox) C terminus binds the p47(phox) SH3 domains expressed in tandem (SH3AB) but does not bind the individual N-terminal SH3A and C-terminal SH3B domains. Peptides matching amino acids 301-320 and 314-335 of the p47(phox) arginine/lysine-rich region block the p47(phox) SH3AB/p22(phox) C-terminal and p47(phox) SH3AB/p47(phox) C-terminal binding and inhibit NADPH oxidase activity in vitro. Peptides with phosphoserines substituted for serines 310 and 328 do not block binding and are poor inhibitors of oxidase activity. Mutated full-length p47(phox) with aspartic acid substitutions to mimic the effects of phosphorylations at serines 310 and 328 bind the p22(phox) proline-rich region in contrast to wild-type p47(phox). We conclude that the p47(phox) SH3A domain-binding site is blocked by an interaction between the p47(phox) SH3AB domains and the C-terminal arginine/lysine-rich region. Phosphorylation of serines in the p47(phox) C terminus disrupts this interaction leading to exposure of the SH3A domain, binding to p22(phox), and activation of the NADPH oxidase.     

Specificity of p47phox SH3 domain interactions in NADPH oxidase assembly and activation.

The delineation of molecular structures that dictate Src homology 3 (SH3) domain recognition of specific proline-rich ligands is key to understanding unique functions of diverse SH3 domain-containing signalling molecules. We recently established that assembly of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase involves multiple SH3 domain interactions between several oxidase components (p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox). p47phox was shown to play a central role in oxidase activation in whole cells by mediating interactions with both the transmembrane component p22phox and cytosolic p67phox. To understand the specific roles of each SH3 domain of p47phox in oxidase assembly and activation, we mutated critical consensus residues (Tyr167 or Tyr237-->Leu [Y167L or Y237L], W193R or W263R, and P206L or P276L) on each of their binding surfaces. The differential effects of these mutations indicated that the first SH3 domain is responsible for the p47phox-p22phox interaction and plays a predominant role in oxidase activity and p47phox membrane assembly, while the second p47phox SH3 domain interacts with the NH2-terminal domain of p67phox. Binding experiments using the isolated first SH3 domain also demonstrated its involvement in intramolecular interactions within p47phox and showed a requirement for five residues (residues 151 to 155) on its N-terminal boundary for binding to p22phox. The differential effects of nonconserved-site mutations (W204A or Y274A and E174Q or E244Q) on whole-cell oxidase activity suggested that unique contact residues within the third binding pocket of each SH3 domain influence their ligand-binding specificities.     

A new role of Pro-73 of p47phox in the activation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase

The PX domain of p47phox is thought to be involved in autoinhibition. However, when the domain was deleted, the ability to activate the phagocyte NADPH oxidase was markedly diminished. We have mutated the proline-rich region of the PX domain and examined the mutants for the ability to activate. Substitution of Gln for Pro-73 of p47phox(1-286) (P73Q) resulted in a considerably lower activity than the wild type and P73Q had a much lower affinity for the oxidase complex. Whereas, Gln substitution for Pro-76 (P76Q) showed a slightly enhanced activation and the mutant had a slightly higher affinity for the complex than the wild type. Affinity for p67phox(1-210) was slightly decreased either by P73Q or P76Q. Optimal SDS concentration for the activation was lowered by these mutations. Binding of PX domain with phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate was diminished by P73Q mutation. The results in this study suggest that Pro-73 has a role in interaction with the catalytic component cytochrome b558.     

Direct interaction of actin with p47(phox) of neutrophil NADPH oxidase

The cell-free activation of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase is enhanced by actin, and actin filaments formed during activation are suggested to stabilize the oxidase. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism, we examined the protein-protein interactions between actin and cytosolic components of the oxidase. Far-Western blotting using recombinant phox proteins showed that both alpha- and beta-actin interacted with p47(phox) and rac1, and weakly with rac2. A deletion mutant of p47(phox) proved that its C-terminal region was essential for the interaction. The dissociation constant (K(d)) for interaction between actin and p47(phox) was estimated to be 0.45 microM by surface plasmon resonance, and that between actin and rac1 or rac2 was 1.7 or 4.6 microM, respectively. Far-Western blotting using cytosol as a target showed an interaction between actin and endogenous p47(phox) and rac proteins. These results suggest that actin can directly interact with p47(phox) and possibly with rac in the cells.     

PtdIns3P binding to the PX domain of p40phox is a physiological signal in NADPH oxidase activation

The production of reactive oxygen species by the NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes plays a critical role in our defence against bacterial and fungal infections. The PX domains of two oxidase components, p47(phox) and p40(phox), are known to bind phosphoinositide products of PI3Ks but the physiological roles of these interactions are unclear. We have created mice which carry an R58A mutation in the PX domain of their p40(phox) gene, which selectively prevents binding to PtdIns3P. p40(phoxR58A/R58A) embryos do not develop normally but p40(phoxR58A/-) mice are viable and neutrophils from these animals exhibit significantly reduced oxidase responses compared to those from their p40(phox+/-) siblings (e.g. 60% reduced in response to phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus). Wortmannin inhibition of the S. aureus oxidase response correlates with inhibition of phagosomal PtdIns3P accumulation and overlaps with the reduction in this response caused by the R58A mutation, suggesting PI3K regulation of this response is substantially dependent on PtdIns3P-binding to p40(phox). p40(phoxR58A/-) mice are significantly compromised in their ability to kill S. aureus in vivo, defining the physiological importance of this interaction.     

Homocysteine stimulates phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase p47phox and p67phox subunits in monocytes via protein kinase Cbeta activation

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases due to atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis involves reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress in vascular cells. Our previous study [Wang and O (2001) Biochem. J. 357, 233-240] demonstrated that Hcy (homocysteine) treatment caused a significant elevation of intracellular superoxide anion, leading to increased expression of chemokine receptor in monocytes. NADPH oxidase is primarily responsible for superoxide anion production in monocytes. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Hcy-induced superoxide anion production in monocytes. Hcy treatment (20-100 microM) caused an activation of NADPH oxidase and an increase in the superoxide anion level in monocytes (THP-1, a human monocytic cell line). Transfection of cells with p47phox siRNA (small interfering RNA) abolished Hcy-induced superoxide anion production, indicating the involvement of NADPH oxidase. Hcy treatment resulted in phosphorylation and subsequently membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox subunits leading to NADPH oxidase activation. Pretreatment of cells with PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitors Ro-32-0432 (bisindolylmaleimide XI hydrochloride) (selective for PKCalpha, PKCbeta and PKCgamma) abolished Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits in monocytes. Transfection of cells with antisense PKCbeta oligonucleotide, but not antisense PKCalpha oligonucleotide, completely blocked Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits as well as superoxide anion production. Pretreatment of cells with LY333531, a PKCbeta inhibitor, abolished Hcy-induced superoxide anion production. Taken together, these results indicate that Hcy-stimulated superoxide anion production in monocytes is regulated through PKC-dependent phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits of NADPH oxidase. Increased superoxide anion production via NADPH oxidase may play an important role in Hcy-induced inflammatory response during atherogenesis.     

The NADPH oxidase components p47(phox) and p40(phox) bind to moesin through their PX domain.

The NADPH oxidase of phagocytes is a membrane-bound heterodimeric flavocytochrome which catalyses the transfer of electrons from NADPH in the cytoplasm to oxygen in the phagosome. A number of cytosolic proteins are involved in its activation/deactivation: p47phox, p67phox, p40phox and the small GTP-binding protein, rac. The cytosolic phox proteins interact with the cytoskeleton in human neutrophils and, in particular, an interaction with coronin has been reported (Grogan A., Reeves, E., Keep, N. H., Wientjes, F., Totty, N., Burlingame, N. L., Hsuan, J., and Segal, A. W. (1997) J. Cell Sci. 110, 3071-3081). Here, we report on the interaction of another cytoskeletal protein, moesin, with the phox proteins. Moesin belongs to the ezrin-radixin-moesin family of F-actin-binding proteins and we show that it binds to p47phox and p40phox in a phosphoinositide-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that its N-terminal part binds to the PX domain of p47phox and p40phox.     

Phosphorylation induces conformational changes in the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox).

The leukocyte NADPH oxidase of neutrophils is a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to at the expense of NADPH. The enzyme is dormant in resting neutrophils but becomes active when the cells are exposed to appropriate stimuli. During oxidase activation, the highly basic cytosolic oxidase component p47(phox) becomes phosphorylated on several serines and migrates to the plasma membrane. We report here that phosphorylation of p47(phox) with protein kinase C induces conformational changes, as reflected by a fluorescence change of N, N'-di-methyl-N(iodoacetyl)-N'-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) ethyleneamine (IANBD)-labeled p47(phox). We propose that this alteration in conformation results in the appearance of a binding site through which p47(phox) interacts with cytochrome b558 during the activation process. In addition, the present study indicates that other oxidase components, such as p67(phox) and p22(phox), influence the conformation of p47(phox).     

Relationships of p40(phox) with p67(phox) in the activation and expression of the human respiratory burst NADPH oxidase

p40(phox) of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase forms a complex with p67(phox) in cytosol, and coincidentally decreases in patients who lack p67(phox). Here we investigated the mode of translocation of p40(phox) to the membrane, its cytoskeletal localization on activation of the NADPH oxidase, and the dependency of its expression relative to that of p67(phox). When human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), p40(phox) was translocated to the membrane along with p67(phox), and not was released into the cytosol. Studies with resting PMNs using Triton X-100 revealed the exclusive localization of p67(phox) in the cytoskeletal fraction. Unexpectedly, however, about half of p40(phox), which is deemed to be fully associated with p67(phox), was recovered in the non-cytoskeletal fraction. Unlike p47(phox), the association of p40(phox) with cytoskeleton was not induced by the PMA-stimulation. These results indicate not only that p40(phox) associates with cytoskeleton via a molecule of p67(phox), but also that there are distinct states of p40(phox) that can be manipulated with Triton X-100. Lastly, Western-blot analysis of hematopoietic cells revealed no correlation between p40(phox) and p67(phox) in their protein expressions during cell differentiation, and also that p40(phox) can be stably present alone in cells, unless in the case of mature PMNs. In this regard, definitive proof was obtained with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells of a p67(phox)-deficient patient, in which p40(phox) was normally expressed.     

Kinase-dependent change in the conformation of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox

The leukocyte NADPH oxidase of neutrophils is a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the production of O2- from oxygen using NADPH as the electron donor. Dormant in resting neutrophils, the enzyme acquires catalytic activity when the cells are exposed to appropriate stimuli. During activation, the cytosolic oxidase components p47phox and p67phox migrate to the plasma membrane, where they associate with cytochrome b558, a membrane-integrated flavohemoprotein, to assemble the active oxidase. In whole cells and under certain circumstances in the cell-free system, the phosphorylation of p47phox mediates the activation process. It has been proposed that conformational changes in the protein structure of cytosolic factor p47phox may be an important part of the activation mechanism. The total protein steady-state intrinsic fluorescence (an emission maximum of 338 nm) exhibited by the tryptophan residues of p47phox was substantially decreased, reflecting on the conformational change that occurs when p47phox was phosphorylated with protein kinase C. We show here that the phosphorylation of p47phox by protein kinase A or mitogen-activated protein kinase, however, had little effect on the intrinsic fluorescence of p47phox. In addition, the present experiments indicate that in the mutant p47phoxS379A, only the single S-->A mutation appears to be a major importance for the function of p47phox, which is able to undergo the change in conformation that takes place when p47phox is phosphorylated by protein kinase C.     

Atypical membrane-embedded phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2)-binding site on p47(phox) Phox homology (PX) domain revealed by NMR

The Phox homology (PX) domain is a functional module that targets membranes through specific interactions with phosphoinositides. The p47(phox) PX domain preferably binds phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P(2)) and plays a pivotal role in the assembly of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. We describe the PI(3,4)P(2) binding mode of the p47(phox) PX domain as identified by a transferred cross-saturation experiment. The identified PI(3,4)P(2)-binding site, which includes the residues of helices α1 and α1' and the following loop up to the distorted left-handed PP(II) helix, is located at a unique position, as compared with the phosphoinositide-binding sites of all other PX domains characterized thus far. Mutational analyses corroborated the results of the transferred cross-saturation experiments. Moreover, experiments with intact cells demonstrated the importance of this unique binding site for the function of the NADPH oxidase. The low affinity and selectivity of the atypical phosphoinositide-binding site on the p47(phox) PX domain suggest that different types of phosphoinositides sequentially bind to the p47(phox) PX domain, allowing the regulation of the multiple events that characterize the assembly and activation of phagocyte NADPH oxidase.     

A region C-terminal to the proline-rich core of p47phox regulates activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase by interacting with the C-terminal SH3 domain of p67phox

Activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase requires the regulatory proteins p47(phox) and p67(phox), each harboring two SH3 domains. p67(phox) interacts with p47(phox) via simultaneous binding of the p67(phox) C-terminal SH3 domain to both the proline-rich region (PRR) of amino acid residues 360-369 and its C-terminally flanking region of p47(phox); the role of the interaction in oxidase regulation has not been fully understood. Here we show that the p47(phox)-p67(phox) interaction is disrupted not only by deletion of the PRR but also by substitution for basic residues in the extra-PRR (K383E/K385E). The substitution impaired oxidase activation partially in vitro and much more profoundly in vivo, indicating the significance of the p47(phox) extra-PRR. Replacement of Ser-379 in the extra-PRR, a residue known to undergo phosphorylation in stimulated cells, by aspartate attenuates the interaction and thus results in a defective superoxide production, suggesting that phosphorylation of Ser-379 is involved in oxidase regulation.     

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) regulation of human monocyte NADPH oxidase activity. cPLA2 affects translocation but not phosphorylation of p67(phox) and p47(phox)

The NADPH oxidase of human monocytes is activated upon exposure to opsonized zymosan and a variety of other stimuli to catalyze the formation of superoxide anion. Assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex is believed to be a highly regulated process, and molecular mechanisms responsible for this regulation have yet to be fully elucidated. We have previously reported that cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) expression and activity are essential for superoxide anion production in activated human monocytes. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms involved in cPLA(2) regulation of NADPH oxidase activation by evaluating the effects of cPLA(2) on translocation and phosphorylation of p67(phox) and p47(phox). We report that translocation and phosphorylation of p67(phox), as well as p47(phox), occur upon activation of human monocytes and that decreased cPLA(2) protein expression, mediated by antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODN) specific for cPLA(2) mRNA, blocked the stimulation-induced translocation of p47(phox) and p67(phox) from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. Inhibition of translocation of both p47(phox) and p67(phox) by cPLA(2) AS-ODN was above 85%. Arachidonic acid (AA), a product of cPLA(2) enzymatic activity, completely restored translocation of both of these oxidase components in the AS-ODN-treated, cPLA(2)-deficient human monocytes. These results represent the first report that cPLA(2) activity or AA is required for p67(phox) and p47(phox) translocation in human monocytes. Although cPLA(2) was required for translocation of p47(phox) and p67(phox), it did not influence phosphorylation of these components. These results suggest that one mechanism of cPLA(2) regulation of NADPH oxidase activity is to control the arachidonate-sensitive assembly of the complete oxidase complex through modulating the translocation of both p47(phox) and p67(phox). These studies provide insight into the mechanisms by which activation signals are transduced to allow the induction of superoxide anion production in human monocytes.     

Ascorbate inhibits NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox expression in microvascular endothelial cells

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is central to the etiology of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis. Endothelial cells respond to infection by activating NADPH oxidases that are sources of intracellular ROS and potential targets for therapeutic administration of antioxidants. Ascorbate is an antioxidant that accumulates in these cells and improves capillary blood flow, vascular reactivity, arterial blood pressure, and survival in experimental sepsis. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that ascorbate regulates NADPH oxidases in microvascular endothelial cells exposed to septic insult. We observed that incubation with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) increased NADPH oxidase activity and expression of the enzyme subunit p47phox in mouse microvascular endothelial cells of skeletal muscle origin. Pretreatment of the cells with ascorbate prevented these increases. Polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase and selective inhibitors of Jak2 also abrogated induction of p47phox. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide induced p47phox expression that was prevented by pretreatment of the cells with ascorbate. LPS+IFNgamma or hydrogen peroxide activated the Jak2/Stat1/IRF1 pathway and this effect was also inhibited by ascorbate. In conclusion, ascorbate blocks the stimulation by septic insult of redox-sensitive Jak2/Stat1/IRF1 signaling, p47phox expression, and NADPH oxidase activity in microvascular endothelial cells. Because endothelial NADPH oxidases produce ROS that can cause endothelial dysfunction, their inhibition by ascorbate may represent a new strategy for sepsis therapy.     

Mechanism of endothelial cell NADPH oxidase activation by angiotensin II. Role of the p47phox subunit

Endothelial cells express a constitutively active phagocyte-type NADPH oxidase whose activity is augmented by agonists such as angiotensin II. We recently reported (Li, J.-M., and Shah, A. M. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 19952-19960) that in contrast to neutrophils a substantial proportion of the NADPH oxidase in unstimulated endothelial cells exists as preassembled intracellular complexes. Here, we investigate the mechanism of angiotensin II-induced endothelial NADPH oxidase activation. Angiotensin II (100 nmol/liter)-induced reactive oxygen species production (as measured by dichlorohydrofluorescein fluorescence or lucigenin chemiluminescence) was completely absent in coronary microvascular endothelial cells isolated from p47(phox) knockout mice. Transfection of p47(phox) cDNA into p47(phox-/-) cells restored the angiotensin II response, whereas transfection of antisense p47(phox) cDNA into wild-type cells depleted p47(phox) and inhibited the angiotensin II response. In unstimulated human microvascular endothelial cells, there was significant p47(phox)-p22(phox) complex formation but minimal detectable p47(phox) phosphorylation. Angiotensin II induced rapid serine phosphorylation of p47(phox) (within 1 min, peaking at approximately 15 min), a 1.9 +/- 0.1-fold increase in p47(phox)-p22(phox) complex formation and a 1.6 +/- 0.2-fold increase in NADPH-dependent O(2)-* production (p < 0.05). p47(phox) was redistributed to "nuclear" and membrane-enriched cell fractions. These data indicate that angiotensin II-stimulated endothelial NADPH oxidase activity is regulated through serine phosphorylation of p47(phox) and its enhanced binding to p22(phox).     

Novel human homologues of p47phox and p67phox participate in activation of superoxide-producing NADPH oxidases

The catalytic core of a superoxide-producing NADPH oxidase (Nox) in phagocytes is gp91phox/Nox2, a membrane-integrated protein that forms a heterodimer with p22phox to constitute flavocytochrome b558. The cytochrome becomes activated by interacting with the adaptor proteins p47phox and p67phox as well as the small GTPase Rac. Here we describe the cloning of human cDNAs for novel proteins homologous to p47phox and p67phox, designated p41nox and p51nox, respectively; the former is encoded by NOXO1 (Nox organizer 1), and the latter is encoded by NOXA1 (Nox activator 1). The novel homologue p41nox interacts with p22phox via the two tandem SH3 domains, as does p47phox. The protein p51nox as well as p67phox can form a complex with p47phox and with p41nox via the C-terminal SH3 domain and binds to GTP-bound Rac via the N-terminal domain containing four tetratricopeptide repeat motifs. These bindings seem to play important roles, since p47phox and p67phox activate the phagocyte oxidase via the same interactions. Indeed, p41nox and p51nox are capable of replacing the corresponding classical homologue in activation of gp91phox. Nox1, a homologue of gp91phox, also can be activated in cells, when it is coexpressed with p41nox and p51nox, with p41nox and p67phox, or with p47phox and p51nox; in the former two cases, Nox1 is partially activated without any stimulants added, suggesting that p41nox is normally in an active state. Thus, the novel homologues p41nox and p51nox likely function together or in combination with a classical one, thereby activating the two Nox family oxidases.     

Trimer hydroxylated quinone derived from apocynin targets cysteine residues of p47phox preventing the activation of human vascular NADPH oxidase

Enzymatically derived oligophenols from apocynin can be effective inhibitors of human vascular NADPH oxidase (Nox). An isolated trimer hydroxylated quinone (IIIHyQ) has been shown to inhibit endothelial NADPH oxidase with an IC(50) ~30 nM. In vitro studies demonstrated that IIIHyQ is capable of disrupting the interaction between p47(phox) and p22(phox), thereby blocking the activation of the Nox2 isoform. Herein, we report the role of key cysteine residues in p47(phox) as targets for the IIIHyQ. Incubation of p47(phox) with IIIHyQ results in a decrease of ~80% of the protein free cysteine residues; similar results were observed using 1,2- and 1,4-naphthoquinones, whereas apocynin was unreactive. Mutants of p47(phox), in which each Cys was individually replaced by Ala (at residues 111, 196, and 378) or Gly (at residue 98), were generated to evaluate their individual importance in IIIHyQ-mediated inhibition of p47(phox) interaction with p22(phox). Specific Michael addition on Cys196, within the N-SH3 domain, by the IIIHyQ is critical for disrupting the p47(phox)-p22(phox) interaction. When a C196A mutation was tested, the IIIHyQ was unable to disrupt the p47(phox)-p22(phox) interaction. However, the IIIHyQ was effective at disrupting this interaction with the other mutants, displaying IC(50) values (4.9, 21.0, and 2.3μM for the C111A, C378A, and C98G mutants, respectively) comparable to that of wild-type p47(phox).     

The vascular NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox is involved in redox-mediated gene expression

An NADPH oxidase is thought to be a main source of vascular superoxide (O(2)(-)) production. The functional role of this oxidase, however, and the contribution of the different subunits of the enzyme to cellular signaling are still incompletely understood. We determined the role of the p47phox subunit of the oxidase in O(2)(-) generation and signaling in aortic rings and cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) from wild-type (WT) and p47phox-deficient (p47phox -/-) mice. Basal O(2)(-) levels in aortae of p47phox -/- mice were lower than those in WT aortae. Infusion of [val(5)]-angiotensin II increased O(2)(-) levels in aortae from WT more than in aortae from p47phox -/- mice. O(2)(-) generation was similar in quiescent SMC from WT and p47phox -/- mice. However, exposure to thrombin selectively increased O(2)(-) generation in VSMC from WT, but not from p47phox -/- mice. Thrombin-activated redox-mediated signal transduction and gene expression was attenuated in VSMC from p47phox -/- compared to cells from WT mice as determined by p38 MAP kinase activation and VEGF gene expression. We conclude that p47phox is important for vascular ROS production and redox-modulated signaling and gene expression in VSMC.