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Published on: January 22, 2019
NO: an inhibitor of cell death
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) or related molecules of both endogenous and exogenous origin inhibit programmed cell death in a variety of cells and tissues. This general protective function is largely independent of the apoptotic stimulus. S-nitrosylation of the catalytic-site cysteine of caspases is a well-established and possibly widespread mechanism of enzyme inhibition that protects from cell death. However, NO may inhibit apoptosis by additional mechanisms. The physiological and pathological significance of NO's anti-apoptotic activity remains to be determined in most cases.
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