Genetic variations in nitric oxide synthase isoforms

The NOS enzymes are now recognized as an important family of isoforms with important and varied physiological roles. Molecular genetics have identified polymorphisms for each of the NOS genes. Although some reports have recently associated specific NOS isoform genotypes with increased risk of specific disease states, in many cases findings are equivocal with respect to the significance of NOS genotypes and disease risk. Despite the less than unanimous findings thus far, this field of functional genomics is rapidly emerging and will provide new and exciting information. Further study of the relationships of NOS genetic variations and disease, and functional consequences of such variations, will provide new insight into disease mechanisms and provide new opportunities for therapy.