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The yin and yang of nitric oxide in cancer progression

Amy J Burke1, Francis J Sullivan, Francis J Giles

  • 1Prostate Cancer Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Dublin, Ireland. amy.burke@nuigalway.ie

Carcinogenesis
|January 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Nitric oxide (NO) has complex roles in cancer, acting as both a promoter and inhibitor. This review explores NO modulation, including NO-donating drugs and NOS inhibitors, for potential anticancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule with diverse physiological functions.
  • Conflicting evidence exists regarding NO's role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
  • NO exerts dichotomous effects on cancer processes like proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on nitric oxide's role in cancer biology.
  • To emphasize nitric oxide modulation as a potential anticancer therapeutic strategy.
  • To focus on NO-donating drugs and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on nitric oxide and cancer.
  • Analysis of NO's dual role (pro- and anti-tumorigenic) in various cancer contexts.
  • Examination of NO generation by three NOS isoforms and their expression in tumors.

Main Results:

  • Nitric oxide's effects are concentration-dependent and influenced by the tumor microenvironment.
  • NO can promote or inhibit tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.
  • NOS isoforms are expressed in human tumors, presenting therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Nitric oxide's complex role in cancer presents challenges for therapeutic development.
  • Targeting NO pathways, via NO donors or NOS inhibitors, holds potential for anticancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate NO's precise mechanisms in cancer for effective treatment strategies.

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