Method of treatment of endothelial dysfunction and engineered proteins for same

摘要

Endothelial cells produce many factors that are involved in maintaining blood vessels. One of the best understood and most studied factor is nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by an endothelial enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The present invention provides a molecule designed to be delivered to the endothelium where it can reconstitute eNOS activity and restore NO production. Thus, the present invention provides methods of detecting, treating and preventing diseases or disorders associated with the vasculature and denoted by reduced levels of eNOS in the endothelium, as well as a concomitant reduction in the amount of NO that can be produced.