Biological properties of nitro-fatty acids in plants

Nitro-fatty acids (NO₂-FAs) are formed from the reaction between nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Knowledge concerning NO₂-FAs has significantly increased within a few years ago and the beneficial actions of these species uncovered in animal systems have led to consider them as molecules with therapeutic potential. Based on their nature and structure, NO₂-FAs have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in aqueous environments and the capacity to mediate post-translational modifications (PTM) by nitroalkylation. Recently, based on the potential of these NO-derived molecules in the animal field, the endogenous occurrence of nitrated-derivatives of linolenic acid (NO₂-Ln) was assessed in plant species. Moreover and through RNA-seq technology, it was shown that NO₂-Ln can induce a large set of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and different antioxidant systems suggesting this molecule may launch antioxidant and defence responses in plants. Furthermore, the capacity of this nitro-fatty acid to release NO has also been demonstrated. In view of this background, here we offer an overview on the biological properties described for NO₂-FAs in plants and the potential of these molecules to be considered new key intermediaries of NO metabolism in the plant field.