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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Nitric oxide and its derivatives in the cancer battlefield
Anna Kamm1, Paulina Przychodzen1, Alicja Kuban-Jankowska1
1Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Abstract:
Elevated levels of reactive nitrogen species, alteration in redox balance and deregulated redox signaling are common hallmarks of cancer progression and chemoresistance. However, depending on the cellular context, distinct reactive nitrogen species are also hypothesized to mediate cytotoxic activity and are thus used in anticancer therapies. We present here the dual face of nitric oxide and its derivatives in cancer biology. Main derivatives of nitric oxide, such as nitrogen dioxide and peroxynitrite cause cell death by inducing protein and lipid peroxidation and/or DNA damage. Moreover, they control the activity of important protein players within the pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Thus, the control of intracellular reactive nitrogen species may become a sophisticated tool in anticancer strategies.
Insights
Nitric oxide and its derivatives have a dual role in cancer, potentially causing cell death or aiding progression. Controlling these reactive nitrogen species offers a novel anticancer strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer progression and chemoresistance are linked to elevated reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and altered redox balance.
- Specific RNS are also investigated for their cytotoxic potential in anticancer therapies.
- Nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives exhibit complex roles in cancer biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the dual role of nitric oxide and its derivatives in cancer.
- To explore the mechanisms by which RNS influence cancer cell death and survival.
- To assess the potential of targeting RNS for novel anticancer strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RNS, redox signaling, and cancer.
- Analysis of the cytotoxic mechanisms of NO derivatives like nitrogen dioxide and peroxynitrite.
- Examination of the impact of RNS on pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen dioxide and peroxynitrite induce cancer cell death via protein/lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.
- RNS modulate key proteins involved in apoptosis regulation.
- The cellular context dictates whether RNS promote or inhibit cancer.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide and its derivatives present a 'dual face' in cancer biology.
- Targeting intracellular RNS levels could offer a sophisticated approach to anticancer therapy.
- Understanding RNS-mediated signaling is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
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