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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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
Nitric oxide activates TRP channels by cysteine S-nitrosylation
Takashi Yoshida1, Ryuji Inoue, Takashi Morii
1Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
Nitric oxide (NO) activates TRP channels, a novel mechanism involving cysteine S-nitrosylation. This discovery identifies a new functional category of cellular receptors, expanding our understanding of NO signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are crucial plasma-membrane cation channels that function as cellular sensors.
- Existing knowledge classifies TRP channels primarily as receptor-activated or thermosensor channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel mechanism of TRP channel activation.
- To identify the role of cysteine S-nitrosylation in TRP channel function.
- To explore the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in TRP channel-mediated calcium influx.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recombinant TRP proteins (TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPV4) for functional assays.
- Employed cysteine mutagenesis and labeling assays to identify specific nitrosylation sites.
- Investigated membrane sidedness using reactive disulfides to confirm cytoplasmic accessibility of key cysteines.
- Examined native TRPC5 function in endothelial cells upon stimulation of G protein-coupled ATP receptors.
Main Results:
- TRP channels (TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPV4) induce Ca(2+) influx in response to nitric oxide (NO).
- Cysteine residues Cys553 and Cys558 in TRPC5 were identified as key nitrosylation sites mediating NO sensitivity.
- Conserved cysteines located N-terminally to the pore region in responsive TRP proteins were observed.
- Nitrosylation of native TRPC5 in endothelial cells, triggered by ATP receptor stimulation, resulted in Ca(2+) entry.
Conclusions:
- A novel activation mechanism for TRP channels via cysteine S-nitrosylation by NO has been discovered.
- A conserved structural motif for NO-sensitive activation gates in TRP channels has been revealed.
- TRP channels represent a new functional class of cellular receptors acting as NO sensors, extending across multiple TRP families.
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