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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
08:32
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
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Deciphering nitric oxide stress in bacteria with quantitative modeling
Jonathan L Robinson1, Kristin J Adolfsen1, Mark P Brynildsen1
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|July 2, 2014
Summary
Understanding how bacteria handle nitric oxide (NO•) is key for developing new antibiotics. Quantitative modeling offers a systems-level approach to analyze NO• stress and could aid in studying other reactive antimicrobials.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Systems Biology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Pathogens utilize nitric oxide (NO•) detoxification and repair mechanisms to establish infections.
- Inhibitors targeting these NO• defense systems are being explored as novel antibiotic strategies.
- The complex reactivity of NO• with biomolecules has hindered a comprehensive understanding of pathogen responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale, current status, and future directions of quantitative modeling for NO• stress in bacteria.
- To highlight the utility of systems-level analysis for understanding pathogen responses to NO•.
- To propose the application of quantitative modeling to other reactive antimicrobials like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NO• stress response in pathogens.
- Discussion of quantitative kinetic modeling approaches for biological systems.
- Analysis of the integration of sensing and response mechanisms to NO•.
Main Results:
- Quantitative kinetic modeling provides a powerful tool for systems-level analysis of NO• stress.
- Understanding NO• response systems is crucial for developing effective antimicrobial strategies.
- Mathematical modeling can elucidate complex interactions between pathogens and NO•.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative modeling is essential for a comprehensive understanding of bacterial NO• stress.
- This approach can accelerate the development of next-generation antibiotics targeting NO• detoxification pathways.
- The principles of quantitative modeling are transferable to studying other reactive antimicrobial agents.
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