Anti-NGB

This gene encodes an oxygen-binding protein that is distantly related to members of the globin gene family. It is highly conserved among other vertebrates. It is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system where it may be involved in increasing oxygen availability and providing protection under hypoxic/ischemic conditions. Protein function: Involved in oxygen transport in the brain. Hexacoordinate globin, displaying competitive binding of oxygen or the distal His residue to the iron atom. Not capable of penetrating cell membranes. The deoxygenated form exhibits nitrite reductase activity inhibiting cellular respiration via NO-binding to cytochrome c oxidase. Involved in neuroprotection during oxidative stress. May exert its anti-apoptotic activity by acting to reset the trigger level of mitochondrial cytochrome c release necessary to commit the cells to apoptosis. [The UniProt Consortium]