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Protein nitration as footprint of oxidative stress-related nitric oxide signaling pathways in developing Ciona

Elena Ercolesi1, Gabriella Tedeschi, Gabriella Fiore

  • 1Cellular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.

Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry
|April 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals a novel nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway regulating Ciona intestinalis development, involving protein nitration influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This finding highlights a new regulatory mechanism in ascidian metamorphosis.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Signaling
  • Marine Biology

Background:

  • Ascidian metamorphosis in Ciona intestinalis involves caspase-dependent apoptosis.
  • This process is typically regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an alternative NO-mediated signaling pathway in Ciona development.
  • To explore the role of local redox control in this NO-dependent pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS) and scavengers of NO-derived nitrating agents.
  • Administered NO donors and peroxynitrite.
  • Employed integrated proteomic and immunochemical methodologies.
  • Observed protein nitration at the larva stage.

Main Results:

  • Inhibitors of NO synthase and nitrating agents decreased Ciona metamorphosis rates.
  • NO donors and peroxynitrite demonstrated an opposite effect on metamorphosis.
  • Increased protein nitration, specifically on tyrosine residues in ERK and snail, was observed.
  • Identified protein nitration as a key NO-dependent regulatory mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • A novel NO-mediated signaling pathway, dependent on local redox control, regulates Ciona development.
  • Protein nitration, triggered by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, is a critical, previously overlooked mechanism in Ciona metamorphosis.

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