Chapter 8 – Neuroglobin and Cytoglobin

摘要: Neuroglobin and cytoglobin are two recent additions to the family of heme-containing respiratory proteins man other vertebrates. Here, we summarize current state knowledge structures, ligand-binding kinetics, evolution, expression patterns these proteins. These data provide working hypotheses with regard possible physiological roles globins in animal's metabolism. Both neuroglobin structurally similar myoglobin, but they contain distinct features like extraordinarily high temperature resistances unusual cavities inside molecules. Kinetic structural studies show that belong class hexacoordinated a biphasic kinetics. Nevertheless, their oxygen affinities resemble myoglobin. While is evolutionarily related one lineage invertebrate nerve globins, shares more common ancestry confined neurons central peripheral nervous system endocrine tissues, highest observed retina. Present evidence points an important role neuronal homeostasis hypoxia protection, although or additional functions conceivable. Cytoglobin predominantly expressed fibroblasts cell types, also populations. Much less known about its function; may be involved transfer enzymes collagen prolyl-hydroxylase NO synthase, ROS signaling.