Nitric Oxide Decreases the Expression and Activity of the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme UbcH10

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to limit the formation of neointimal hyperplasia in animal models of arterial injury. Ubiquitination proceeds via formation of thioester bonds and NO can act to disrupt those bonds. We report that NO decreases the activity and expression of UbcH10 in vitro, and decreases the expression of UbcH10 following arterial injury in vivo. Therefore, UbcH10 may be a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia.