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Nitric oxide signaling in invertebrates

J W Jacklet1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY 12222, USA. jwj74@cnsunix.albany.edu

Invertebrate Neuroscience : IN
|June 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Nitric oxide (NO), a versatile signaling molecule, plays crucial roles in nervous systems across diverse animals. Its functions in neurotransmission and neuromodulation, including chemosensation and development, appear evolutionarily conserved.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) functions as an unconventional neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in animals.
  • Historically, NO signaling research focused on mammals, particularly its vasodilatory roles.
  • Gene knockout mice and studies on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms have been key.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the diverse signaling functions of NO across different animal phyla.
  • To compare NO signaling mechanisms in invertebrates with those in mammals.
  • To understand the evolutionary conservation of NO's roles in neuronal functions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on NO signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of invertebrate NOS isoforms and their characteristics.
  • NADPH diaphorase histochemistry to map NOS distribution in various species.

Main Results:

  • NO activates guanylyl cyclase/cGMP and involves redox mechanisms like protein nitrosylation.
  • Invertebrate NOS isoforms show conserved calcium-calmodulin dependence and cofactor requirements.
  • NOS is widely distributed in invertebrates, including echinoderms, molluscs, and insects.
  • NO acts as a transmitter, cotransmitter, and modulator of conventional neurotransmitter release.

Conclusions:

  • NO is utilized in diverse animal neuronal functions such as chemosensory signaling, learning, and development.
  • These NO functions appear conserved throughout evolution.
  • Further research is expected to uncover more surprising NO signaling functions.

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