Identification of a conserved Rac-binding site on NADPH oxidases supports a direct GTPase regulatory mechanism.

The NADPH oxidases (Noxs) are a family of superoxide-generating enzymes implicated in a variety of biological processes. Full activity of Nox1, -2, and -3 requires the action of a Rac GTPase. A direct regulatory interaction of Rac with Nox2 has been proposed as part of a two-step mechanism for regulating electron transfer during superoxide formation. Using truncation analysis of Rac binding to the cytoplasmic tail of Nox2, along with peptides derived from this region in cell-free assays, we identify a Rac interaction site within amino acids 419-430 of Nox2. This region is required for binding Rac2 but not p47(phox) or p67(phox) cytosolic regulatory factors. A cell-permeant version of the peptide encompassing amino acids 419-430 specifically inhibits NADPH oxidase activation in intact human neutrophils. Mutational analysis of the putative Rac-binding site revealed specific residues, particularly Lys-421, Tyr-425, and Lys-426, individually required for Rac-dependent NADPH oxidase activity that are conserved in the Rac-regulated Nox1, Nox2, and Nox3 enzymes but not in Nox4 or Nox5. Mutation of the conserved residues in the Rac-binding site of Nox1 also result in the loss of Rac-dependent activity. Our data identify a functional Rac interaction site conserved in Rac-dependent Noxs and support a direct regulatory interaction of Rac GTPases to promote activation of these NADPH oxidases.