Mouse Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Adaptor Protein (NOS1AP) Protein

Background

NOS1AP, also known as CAPON, is an adaptor protein that binds to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) via its PDZ-binding motif, regulating nNOS activity and nitric oxide (NO) production in neurons. It plays a critical role in neuronal development, synaptic signaling, and apoptosis by modulating NO signaling pathways. NOS1AP is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in regions responsible for cognition and memory, and it mediates downstream signaling of nNOS by interacting with proteins like Dexras1 and other cytoplasmic effectors. Dysregulation of NOS1AP is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and ischemic brain injury due to abnormal NO signaling, which impacts neurotoxicity and synaptic plasticity. It also participates in cardiac function by influencing QT interval length and has been linked to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Knockout and overexpression studies highlight its role in neuronal apoptosis, synaptic transmission, and cardiovascular regulation, making it a key regulator of NO-dependent signaling.