Overview:

HO1 (Heme oxygenase 1) catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme to biliverdin and is one of the main genes controlling heme synthesis and catabolism. HO1 plays a protective role in various disorders and can ameliorate experimental MN via multiple pathways, including anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects (1). Exposure of primary hepatocytes to carbon monoxide and nitric oxide results in dramatic induction of HO1 in dose- and time-dependent manner and this induction is blocked by MAP kinase inhibitors (MAPKs) but not by inhibitors of PI3 kinase pathway (2).

Gene Aliases:

HMOX1, HSP32, bK286B10

Genbank Number:

NM_002133

References:

1. Chia-Chao, W.u. et al: HO-1 induction ameliorates experimental murine membranous nephropathy: anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 2008; 23(10):3082-3090.

2. Lee, B S. et al: . Carbon monoxide mediates heme oxygenase 1 induction via Nrf2 activation in hepatoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 May 12;343(3):965-72.