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Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Protein S-nitrosylation: a physiological signal for neuronal nitric oxide
S R Jaffrey1, H Erdjument-Bromage, C D Ferris
1Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Nature Cell Biology
|February 15, 2001
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in many body processes. This study reveals that NO modifies proteins via S-nitrosylation, a key signaling pathway for neuronal NO synthase (nNOS).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) has established roles in physiology and pathophysiology, primarily through soluble guanylyl cyclase activation.
- The role of endogenous NO in protein S-nitrosylation, a post-translational modification, remains unclear.
- Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is a key source of endogenous NO in the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological relevance of endogenous protein S-nitrosylation.
- To identify endogenous S-nitrosylated proteins and their functions.
- To determine the role of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in protein S-nitrosylation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel proteomic approach to identify S-nitrosylated proteins.
- Analysis of protein S-nitrosylation in wild-type and nNOS-deficient mice.
- Characterization of identified S-nitrosylated proteins.
Main Results:
- Identification of a significant population of endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins.
- Demonstration of reduced S-nitrosylation in mice lacking nNOS, confirming nNOS as a source.
- Inclusion of metabolic, structural, and signaling proteins among NO targets.
- These proteins may act as effectors for neuronally derived NO.
Conclusions:
- Protein S-nitrosylation is a significant physiological signaling mechanism mediated by nNOS.
- Endogenous NO, via nNOS, directly modifies proteins, expanding its known biological functions.
- This discovery opens new avenues for understanding NO-mediated cellular regulation and disease.
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