Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase by aggresome formation

Misfolding and aggregation of proteins play an important part in the pathogenesis of several genetic and degenerative diseases. Recent evidence suggests that cells have evolved a pathway that involves sequestration of aggregated proteins into specialized holding stations called aggresomes. Here we show that cells regulate inducible NO synthase (iNOS), an important host defense protein, through aggresome formation. NOS aggresome formation depends on a functional dynein motor and the integrity of the microtubules. The NOS aggresome represents a physiologic aggresome and thus defines a new paradigm for cellular regulation of protein processing. This study indicates that aggresome formation in response to misfolded proteins may merely represent an acceleration of an established physiologic regulatory process for specific proteins whose regulation by aggresome formation is deemed necessary by the cell.