Nitric Oxide Signaling in Biology

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the role of NO in cellular processes and signaling has been extensively investigated. Under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, NO is produced primarily by specific NO synthase enzymes and also through the process of nitrite reduction. NO is an important biological signaling molecule in the vasculature and tissues. NO contributes to hypoxic signaling, vasodilation, regulation of intracellular oxygen availability, and cytoprotection. In cells, NO interacts with various target proteins and organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Its interaction with intracellular proteins also results in the formation of second messenger molecules such as cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Post translational modification of proteins by NO may be involved in regulating cellular functions and the pathogenesis of human diseases. In NO-mediated intercellular communication, various cellular molecules are involved in its storage and transport. Production of NO by effector cells and the process of its conversion to form reactive nitrogen species modulates the balance of its in vivo actions in cytoprotection and cytotoxicity. Therefore, understanding the cellular signaling processes and biological effects of NO in health and disease can facilitate the development of improved therapeutic approaches to prevent or ameliorate disease. This mini review summarizes the processes of NO formation and NO-mediated cellular signaling and their role in physiology and disease.

Patterns and Direct/Indirect Signaling Pathways in Cardiovascular System in the Condition of Transient Increase of NO

“…The NO donor, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), has been thought to be a store of NO and may have potentially therapeutic beneficial effects in cases of NO deficiency [7]. Several signaling pathways were explored to understand biological effects of NO [5,8,9].…”

Effects of Safranal on Tissue Oxidative Stress in Sub-Chronic Thinner-Addicted Rats

“…NO is a free radical that is defined as a biological signal molecule and plays an important role in both physiological and pathophysiological processes (Velayutham. and Zweier, 2013).…”

Evolutionary conserved multifunctional nitric oxide synthesis proteins responding to bacterial MAMPs are located at the endoplasmic reticulum

“…Nitric oxide is (NO) known to be produced by most Eukaryotic organisms although the NO production mechanism is only known for animals (Cánovas et al, 2016). Mammals have a set of different nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) with basically similar mechanism for producing NO under different circumstances (Velayutham and Zweier, 2013;Yu et al, 2014). NO-production is characteristically induced as part of innate immunity reactions to bacterial Microbial Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs).…”

“…Organisms rely on NO as signaling and effector molecule for numerous physiological and cellular processes. NO is a diffusible, short lived, reactive free radical that acts as a secondary messenger (Velayutham and Zweier, 2013; Yu et al ., 2014). Upon microbial infection, the induced production of NO is a hallmark of the basal defense response also known as innate immunity.…”

“…Upon microbial infection, the induced production of NO is a hallmark of the basal defense response also known as innate immunity. Plants and animals produce NO upon the detection of Microbial-Associated Molecular Pattern (MAMP) (Zeidler, 2004; Ulett and Potter, 2011; Velayutham and Zweier, 2013). MAMPs are conserved molecular patterns shed from microbes which are recognized and responded to by host organisms (Reviewed by Newman et al ., 2013).…”