Chemical 'omics' approaches for understanding protein cysteine oxidation in biology

Redox Biology on the rise

Redox reactions are at the heart of bioenergetics, yet their biological role is not restricted to metabolism. One specific focus of contemporary Redox Biology is the study of how the folding, stability, activity, and interactivity of proteins are subject to redox control. Key questions pertain to the chemical nature of physiological redox changes and their exact location inside the cell, the nature and distribution of protein redox modifications, and their meaning for cellular physiology. In recent years, Redox Biology has developed novel methodological directions, for example, the proteomic profiling of protein redox modifications and the noninvasive monitoring of redox processes in vivo. These and other approaches allow asking new questions for which the answers are almost completely unknown. To stimulate exchange of technical knowledge and the appreciation of Redox Biology in general, the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) recently founded a Study Group for Redox Biology.

The effects of para-chloromercuribenzoic acid and different oxidative and sulfhydryl agents on a novel, non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site identified as neurolysin

A novel, non-AT1, non-AT2 brain binding site for angiotensin peptides that is unmasked by p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) has been identified as a membrane associated variant of neurolysin. The ability of different organic and inorganic oxidative and sulfhydryl reactive agents to unmask or inhibit 125I-Sar1Ile8 angiotensin II (SI-Ang II) binding to this site was presently examined. In tissue membranes from homogenates of rat brain and testis incubated in assay buffer containing losartan (10 μM) and PD123319 (10 μM) plus 100 μM PCMB, 5 of the 39 compounds tested inhibited 125I-SI Ang II binding in brain and testis. Mersalyl acid, mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) most potently inhibited 125I-SI Ang II binding with IC50s ~1-20 μM. This HgCl2 inhibition was independent of any interaction of HgCl2 with angiotensin II (Ang II) based on the lack of effect of HgCl2 on the dipsogenic effects of intracerebroventricularly administered Ang II and 125I-SI Ang II binding to AT1 receptors in the liver. Among sulfhydryl reagents, cysteamine and reduced glutathione (GSH), but not oxidized glutathione (GSSG) up to 1mM, inhibited PCMB-unmasked 125I-SI Ang II binding in brain and testis. Thimerosal and 4-hydroxymercuribenzoate moderately inhibited PCMB-unmasked 125I-SI Ang II binding in brain and testis at 100 μM; however, they also unmasked non-AT1, non-AT2 binding independent of PCMB. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid did not promote 125 I-SI Ang II binding to this binding site indicating that only specific organomercurial compounds can unmask the binding site. The common denominator for all of these interacting substances is the ability to bind to protein cysteine sulfur. Comparison of cysteines between neurolysin and the closely related enzyme thimet oligopeptidase revealed an unconserved cysteine (cys650, based on the full length variant) in the proposed ligand binding channel (Brown et al., 2001) [45] near the active site of neurolysin. It is proposed that the mercuric ion in PCMB and closely related organomercurial compounds binds to cys650, while the acidic anion forms an ionic bond with a nearby arginine or lysine along the channel to effect a conformational change in neurolysin that promotes Ang II binding.

Redox homeostasis: the linchpin in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation

Stem cells are characterized by their unique ability of self-renewal to maintain the so-called stem cell pool. Over the past decades, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been recognized as toxic aerobic metabolism byproducts that are harmful to stem cells, leading to DNA damage, senescence or cell death. Recently, a growing body of literature has shown that stem cells reside in redox niches with low ROS levels. The balance of Redox homeostasis facilitates stem cell self-renewal by an intricate network. Thus, to fully decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance of stem cell self-renewal, it is critical to address the important role of redox homeostasis in the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells. In this regard, we will discuss the regulatory mechanisms involved in the subtly orchestrated balance of redox status in stem cells by scavenger antioxidant enzyme systems that are well monitored by the hypoxia niches and crucial redox regulators including forkhead homeobox type O family (FoxOs), apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). We will also introduce several pivotal ROS-sensitive molecules, such as hypoxia-inducible factors, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) and p53, involved in the redox-regulated stem cell self-renewal. Specifically, all the aforementioned molecules can act as ‘redox sensors' by virtue of redox modifications of their cysteine residues, which are critically important in the control of protein function. Given the importance of redox homeostasis in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms involved will provide important new insights into stem cell biology.

Bifunctional electrophiles cross-link thioredoxins with redox relay partners in cells

Thioredoxin protects cells against oxidative damage by reducing disulfide bonds in improperly oxidized proteins. Previously, we found that the baker's yeast cytosolic thioredoxin Trx2 undergoes cross-linking to form several protein-protein complexes in cells treated with the bifunctional electrophile divinyl sulfone (DVSF). Here, we report that the peroxiredoxin Tsa1 and the thioredoxin reductase Trr1, both of which function in a redox relay network with thioredoxin, become cross-linked in complexes with Trx2 upon DVSF treatment. Treatment of yeast with other bifunctional electrophiles, including diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DAD), mechlorethamine (HN2), and 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB), resulted in the formation of similar cross-linked complexes. Cross-linking of Trx2 and Tsa1 to other proteins by DVSF and DAD is dependent on modification of the active site Cys residues within these proteins. In addition, the human cytosolic thioredoxin, cytosolic thioredoxin reductase, and peroxiredoxin 2 form cross-linked complexes to other proteins in the presence of DVSF, although each protein shows different susceptibilities to modification by DAD, HN2, and DEB. Taken together, our results indicate that bifunctional electrophiles potentially disrupt redox homeostasis in yeast and human cells by forming cross-linked complexes between thioredoxins and their redox partners.

Thiolates chemically induce redox activation of BTZ043 and related potent nitroaromatic anti-tuberculosis agents

The development of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) forms of tuberculosis (TB) has stimulated research efforts globally to expand the new drug pipeline. Nitroaromatic compounds, including 1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones (BTZs) and related agents, are a promising new class for the treatment of TB. Research has shown that the nitroso intermediates of BTZs that are generated in vivo cause suicide inhibition of decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2' oxidase (DprE1), which is responsible for cell wall arabinogalactan biosynthesis. We have designed and synthesized novel anti-TB agents inspired from BTZs and other nitroaromatic compounds. Computational studies indicated that the unsubstituted aromatic carbons of BTZ043 and related nitroaromatic compounds are the most electron-deficient and might be prone to nucleophilic attack. Our chemical studies on BTZ043 and the additional nitroaromatic compounds synthesized by us and others confirmed the postulated reactivity. The results indicate that nucleophiles such as thiolates, cyanide, and hydride induce nonenzymatic reduction of the nitro groups present in these compounds to the corresponding nitroso intermediates by addition at the unsubstituted electron-deficient aromatic carbon present in these compounds. Furthermore, we demonstrate here that these compounds are good candidates for the classical von Richter reaction. These chemical studies offer an alternate hypothesis for the mechanism of action of nitroaromatic anti-TB agents, in that the cysteine thiol(ate) or a hydride source at the active site of DprE1 may trigger the reduction of the nitro groups in a manner similar to the von Richter reaction to the nitroso intermediates, to initiate the inhibition of DprE1.

Diverse functional roles of reactive cysteines

Cysteine residues on proteins play key roles in catalysis and regulation. These functional cysteines serve as active sites for nucleophilic and redox catalysis, sites of allosteric regulation, and metal-binding ligands on proteins from diverse classes including proteases, kinases, metabolic enzymes, and transcription factors. In this review, we focus on a few select examples that serve to highlight the multiple functions performed by cysteines, with an emphasis on cysteine-mediated protein activities implicated in cancer. The enhanced reactivity of functional cysteines renders them susceptible to modification by electrophilic species. Toward this end, we discuss recent advancements and future prospects for utilizing cysteine-reactive small molecules as drugs and imaging agents for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Redox regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling through cysteine oxidation

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exemplifies the family of receptor tyrosine kinases that mediate numerous cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Moreover, gene amplification and EGFR mutations have been identified in a number of human malignancies, making this receptor an important target for the development of anticancer drugs. In addition to ligand-dependent activation and concomitant tyrosine phosphorylation, EGFR stimulation results in the localized generation of H(2)O(2) by NADPH-dependent oxidases. In turn, H(2)O(2) functions as a secondary messenger to regulate intracellular signaling cascades, largely through the modification of specific cysteine residues within redox-sensitive protein targets, including Cys797 in the EGFR active site. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie redox regulation of EGFR signaling and how these discoveries may form the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies for targeting this and other H(2)O(2)-modulated pathways.

Chemical methods for the direct detection and labeling of S-nitrosothiols

SIGNIFICANCE

Posttranslational modification of proteins through phosphorylation, glycosylation, and oxidation adds complexity to the proteome by reversibly altering the structure and function of target proteins in a highly controlled fashion.

RECENT ADVANCES

The study of reversible cysteine oxidation highlights a role for this oxidative modification in complex signal transduction pathways. Nitric oxide (NO), and its respective metabolites (including reactive nitrogen species), participates in a variety of these cellular redox processes, including the reversible oxidation of cysteine to S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs). RSNOs act as endogenous transporters of NO, but also possess beneficial effects independent of NO-related signaling, which suggests a complex and versatile biological role. In this review, we highlight the importance of RSNOs as a required posttranslational modification and summarize the current methods available for detecting S-nitrosation.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Given the limitations of these indirect detection methods, the review covers recent developments toward the direct detection of RSNOs by phosphine-based chemical probes. The intrinsic properties that dictate this phosphine/RSNO reactivity are summarized. In general, RSNOs (both small molecule and protein) react with phosphines to yield reactive S-substituted aza-ylides that undergo further reactions leading to stable RSNO-based adducts.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This newly explored chemical reactivity forms the basis of a number of exciting potential chemical methods for protein RSNO detection in biological systems.

A comparative 'bottom up' proteomics strategy for the site-specific identification and quantification of protein modifications by electrophilic lipids

We report a mass spectrometry-based comparative "bottom up" proteomics approach that combines d(0)/d(4)-succinic anhydride labeling with commercially available hydrazine (Hz)-functionalized beads (Affi-gel Hz beads) for detection, identification and relative quantification of site-specific oxylipid modifications in biological matrices. We evaluated and applied this robust and simple method for the quantitative analysis of oxylipid protein conjugates in cardiac mitochondrial proteome samples isolated from 3- and 24-month-old rat hearts. The use of d(0)/d(4)-succinic anhydride labeling, Hz-bead based affinity enrichment, nanoLC fractionation and MALDI-ToF/ToF tandem mass spectrometry yielded relative quantification of oxylipid conjugates with residue-specific modification information. Conjugation of acrolein (ACR), 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (HHE), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and 4-oxo-2-noneal (ONE) to cysteine, histidine and lysine residues were identified. HHE conjugates were the predominant subset of Michael-type adducts detected in this study. The HHE conjugates showed higher levels in mitochondrial preparations from young heart congruent with previous findings by others that the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio is higher in young heart mitochondrial membranes. Although this study focuses on protein adducts of reactive oxylipids, the method might be equally applicable to protein carbonyl modifications caused by metal catalyzed oxidation reactions.

Cofactor binding protects flavodoxin against oxidative stress

In organisms, various protective mechanisms against oxidative damaging of proteins exist. Here, we show that cofactor binding is among these mechanisms, because flavin mononucleotide (FMN) protects Azotobacter vinelandii flavodoxin against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation. We identify an oxidation sensitive cysteine residue in a functionally important loop close to the cofactor, i.e., Cys69. Oxidative stress causes dimerization of apoflavodoxin (i.e., flavodoxin without cofactor), and leads to consecutive formation of sulfinate and sulfonate states of Cys69. Use of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) reveals that Cys69 modification to a sulfenic acid is a transient intermediate during oxidation. Dithiothreitol converts sulfenic acid and disulfide into thiols, whereas the sulfinate and sulfonate forms of Cys69 are irreversible with respect to this reagent. A variable fraction of Cys69 in freshly isolated flavodoxin is in the sulfenic acid state, but neither oxidation to sulfinic and sulfonic acid nor formation of intermolecular disulfides is observed under oxidising conditions. Furthermore, flavodoxin does not react appreciably with NBD-Cl. Besides its primary role as redox-active moiety, binding of flavin leads to considerably improved stability against protein unfolding and to strong protection against irreversible oxidation and other covalent thiol modifications. Thus, cofactors can protect proteins against oxidation and modification.

Differential redox proteomics allows identification of proteins reversibly oxidized at cysteine residues in endothelial cells in response to acute hypoxia

Adaptation to decreased oxygen availability (hypoxia) is crucial for proper cell function and survival. In metazoans, this is partly achieved through gene transcriptional responses mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). There is abundant evidence that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases during hypoxia, which contributes to the activation of the HIF pathway. In addition to altering the cellular redox balance, leading to oxidative stress, ROS can transduce signals by reversibly modifying the redox state of cysteine residues in certain proteins. Using the "redox fluorescence switch" (RFS), a thiol redox proteomic technique that fluorescently labels reversibly oxidized cysteines, we analyzed endothelial cells subjected to acute hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. We observed a general increase in cysteine oxidation during hypoxia, which was reversed by reoxygenation, and two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed the differential oxidation of specific proteins. Using complementary derivatization techniques, we confirmed the modification of individual target proteins and identified specific cysteine residues that were oxidized in hypoxic conditions, thereby overcoming several limitations associated with fluorescence derivatization. These findings provide an important basis for future studies of the role of these modifications in HIF activation and in other acute adaptive responses to hypoxia.

Chemoselective ligation of sulfinic acids with aryl-nitroso compounds

Making a comeback: The inefficient condensation of sulfinic acid and aryl nitroso compounds has been transformed into a chemoselective process that converts sulfinic acid into stable cyclic sulfonamide analogues (see scheme). This ligation proceeds rapidly under aqueous conditions in high yield, and lays the groundwork for the development of sulfinic acid detection methods in biological systems.

Methylsulfonyl benzothiazole (MSBT): a selective protein thiol blocking reagent

A new thiol blocking reagent, methylsulfonyl benzothiazole, was discovered. This reagent showed good selectivity and high reactivity for protein thiols.

A novel strategy for global analysis of the dynamic thiol redox proteome

Nitroxidative stress in cells occurs mainly through the action of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) on protein thiol groups. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species-mediated protein modifications are associated with pathophysiological states, but can also convey physiological signals. Identification of Cys residues that are modified by oxidative stimuli still poses technical challenges and these changes have never been statistically analyzed from a proteome-wide perspective. Here we show that GELSILOX, a method that combines a robust proteomics protocol with a new computational approach that analyzes variance at the peptide level, allows a simultaneous analysis of dynamic alterations in the redox state of Cys sites and of protein abundance. GELSILOX permits the characterization of the major endothelial redox targets of hydrogen peroxide in endothelial cells and reveals that hypoxia induces a significant increase in the status of oxidized thiols. GELSILOX also detected thiols that are redox-modified by ischemia-reperfusion in heart mitochondria and demonstrated that these alterations are abolished in ischemia-preconditioned animals.

Reactivity of nitroxyl-derived sulfinamides

Sulfinamide [RS(O)NH(2)] formation is known to occur upon exposure of cysteine residues to nitroxyl (HNO), which has received recent attention as a potential heart failure therapeutic. Because this modification can alter protein structure and function, we have examined the reactivity of sulfinamides in several systems, including a small organic molecule, peptides, and a protein. Although it has generally been assumed that this thiol to sulfinamide modification is irreversible, we show that sulfinamides can be reduced back to the free thiol in the presence of excess thiol at physiological pH and temperature. We have examined this sulfinamide reduction both in peptides, where a cyclic intermediate analogous to that proposed for asparagine deamidation reactions potentially can contribute, and in a small organic molecule, where the mechanism is restricted to a direct thiolysis. These studies suggest that the contribution from the cyclic intermediate becomes more important in environments with lower dielectric constants. In addition, although sulfinic acid [RS(O)OH] formation is observed upon prolonged incubations in water, reduction of sulfinamides is found to dominate in the presence of thiols. Finally, studies with the cysteine protease, papain, suggest that the reduction of sulfinamide to the free thiol is viable in a protein environment.

From sulfenylation to sulfhydration: what a thiolate needs to tolerate

There is a growing appreciation that oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and gases such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) can act as modulators of various signaling pathways. Much of this signaling occurs through the modifications of specific, critical cysteine residues in target proteins. How such small, diffusible molecules (H(2)O(2), NO, H(2)S) can achieve the required specificity is incompletely understood. Now, new findings provide considerable insight into these and related questions.

Control of oxidative posttranslational cysteine modifications: from intricate chemistry to widespread biological and medical applications

Cysteine residues in proteins and enzymes often fulfill rather important roles, particularly in the context of cellular signaling, protein-protein interactions, substrate and metal binding, and catalysis. At the same time, some of the most active cysteine residues are also quite sensitive toward (oxidative) modification. S-Thiolation, S-nitrosation, and disulfide bond and sulfenic acid formation are processes which occur frequently inside the cell and regulate the function and activity of many proteins and enzymes. During oxidative stress, such modifications trigger, among others, antioxidant responses and cell death. The unique combination of nonredox function on the one hand and participation in redox signaling and control on the other has placed many cysteine proteins at the center of drug design and pesticide development. Research during the past decade has identified a range of chemically rather interesting, biologically very active substances that are able to modify cysteine residues in such proteins with huge efficiency, yet also considerable selectivity. These agents are often based on natural products and range from simple disulfides to complex polysulfanes, tetrahydrothienopyridines, α,β -unsaturated disulfides, thiuramdisulfides, and 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones. At the same time, inhibition of enzymes responsible for posttranslational cysteine modifications (and their removal) has become an important area of innovative drug research. Such investigations into the control of the cellular thiolstat by thiol-selective agents cross many disciplines and are often far from trivial.

Peroxide-dependent sulfenylation of the EGFR catalytic site enhances kinase activity

Protein sulfenylation is a post-translational modification of emerging importance in higher eukaryotes. However, investigation of its diverse roles remains challenging, particularly within a native cellular environment. Herein we report the development and application of DYn-2, a new chemoselective probe for detecting sulfenylated proteins in human cells. These studies show that epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated signaling results in H(2)O(2) production and oxidation of downstream proteins. In addition, we demonstrate that DYn-2 has the ability to detect differences in sulfenylation rates within the cell, which are associated with differences in target protein localization. We also show that the direct modification of epidermal growth factor receptor by H(2)O(2) at a critical active site cysteine (Cys797) enhances its tyrosine kinase activity. Collectively, our findings reveal sulfenylation as a global signaling mechanism that is akin to phosphorylation and has regulatory implications for other receptor tyrosine kinases and irreversible inhibitors that target oxidant-sensitive cysteines in proteins.

Homeostatic response to hypoxia is regulated by the N-end rule pathway in plants

Plants and animals are obligate aerobes, requiring oxygen for mitochondrial respiration and energy production. In plants, an unanticipated decline in oxygen availability (hypoxia), as caused by root waterlogging or foliage submergence, triggers changes in gene transcription and mRNA translation that promote anaerobic metabolism and thus sustain substrate-level ATP production¹. In contrast to animals², oxygen sensing has not been ascribed to a mechanism of gene regulation in response to oxygen deprivation in plants. Here we show that the N-end rule pathway of targeted proteolysis acts as a homeostatic sensor of severe low oxygen in Arabidopsis, through its regulation of key hypoxia response transcription factors. We found that plants lacking components of the N-end rule pathway constitutively express core hypoxia response genes and are more tolerant of hypoxic stress. We identify the hypoxia-associated Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) Group VII transcription factors of Arabidopsis as substrates of this pathway. Regulation of these proteins by the N-end rule pathway occurs through a characteristic conserved motif at the N-terminus initiating with MetCys- (MC-). Enhanced stability of one of these proteins, HRE2, under low oxygen conditions improves hypoxia survival and reveals a molecular mechanism for oxygen sensing in plants via the evolutionarily conserved N-end rule pathway. SUB1A-1, a major determinant of submergence tolerance in rice³, was shown not to be a substrate for the N-end rule pathway despite containing the N-terminal motif, suggesting that it is uncoupled from N-end rule pathway regulation, and that enhanced stability may relate to the superior tolerance of Sub1 rice varieties to multiple abiotic stresses⁴.

Isotopic signature transfer and mass pattern prediction (IsoStamp): an enabling technique for chemically-directed proteomics

Directed proteomics applies mass spectrometry analysis to a subset of information-rich proteins. Here we describe a method for targeting select proteins by chemical modification with a tag that imparts a distinct isotopic signature detectable in a full-scan mass spectrum. Termed isotopic signature transfer and mass pattern prediction (IsoStamp), the technique exploits the perturbing effects of a dibrominated chemical tag on a peptide’s mass envelope, which can be detected with high sensitivity and fidelity using a computational method. Applying IsoStamp, we were able to detect femtomole quantities of a single tagged protein from total mammalian cell lysates at signal-to-noise ratios as low as 2.5:1. To identify a tagged-peptide’s sequence, we performed an inclusion list-driven shotgun proteomics experiment where peptides bearing a recoded mass envelope were targeted for fragmentation, allowing for direct site mapping. Using this approach, femtomole quantities of several targeted peptides were identified in total mammalian cell lysate, while traditional data-dependent methods were unable to identify as many peptides. Additionally, the isotopic signature imparted by the dibromide tag was detectable on a 12-kDa protein, suggesting applications in identifying large peptide fragments, such as those containing multiple or large posttranslational modifications (e.g., glycosylation). IsoStamp has the potential to enhance any proteomics platform that employs chemical labeling for targeted protein identification, including isotope coded affinity tagging, isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation, and chemical tagging strategies for posttranslational modification.

Redox biology: computational approaches to the investigation of functional cysteine residues

Cysteine (Cys) residues serve many functions, such as catalysis, stabilization of protein structure through disulfides, metal binding, and regulation of protein function. Cys residues are also subject to numerous post-translational modifications. In recent years, various computational tools aiming at classifying and predicting different functional categories of Cys have been developed, particularly for structural and catalytic Cys. On the other hand, given complexity of the subject, bioinformatics approaches have been less successful for the investigation of regulatory Cys sites. In this review, we introduce different functional categories of Cys residues. For each category, an overview of state-of-the-art bioinformatics methods and tools is provided, along with examples of successful applications and potential limitations associated with each approach. Finally, we discuss Cys-based redox switches, which modify the view of distinct functional categories of Cys in proteins.

Isotope-coded chemical reporter and acid-cleavable affinity reagents for monitoring protein sulfenic acids

We have developed an approach that allows relative quantification of protein sulfenic acids using a pair of light and heavy isotope labled probes, DAz-2 and d(6)-DAz-2. In conjunction with a new complementary acid-cleavable linker, Yn-ACL, we demonstrate that tagged peptides are successfully labeled, enriched, and fully characterized by LC-MS/MS analysis. Overall, this method can be applied to map sites of cysteine oxidation and compare protein sulfenylation in normal and disease states.

Regulation of mitochondrial processes by protein S-nitrosylation

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts powerful physiological effects through guanylate cyclase (GC), a non-mitochondrial enzyme, and through the generation of protein cysteinyl-NO (SNO) adducts-a post-translational modification relevant to mitochondrial biology. A small number of SNO proteins, generated by various mechanisms, are characteristically found in mammalian mitochondria and influence the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation and other aspects of mitochondrial function.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

The principles by which mitochondrial SNO proteins are formed and their actions, independently or collectively with NO binding to heme, iron-sulfur centers, or to glutathione (GSH) are reviewed on a molecular background of SNO-based signal transduction.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Mitochondrial SNO-proteins have been demonstrated to inhibit Complex I of the electron transport chain, to modulate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, influence calcium-dependent opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), promote selective importation of mitochondrial protein, and stimulate mitochondrial fission. The ease of reversibility and the affirmation of regulated S-nitros(yl)ating and denitros(yl)ating enzymatic reactions support hypotheses that SNO regulates the mitochondrion through redox mechanisms. SNO modification of mitochondrial proteins, whether homeostatic or adaptive (physiological), or pathogenic, is an area of active investigation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mitochondrial SNO proteins are associated with mainly protective, bur some pathological effects; the former mainly in inflammatory and ischemia/reperfusion syndromes and the latter in neurodegenerative diseases. Experimentally, mitochondrial SNO delivery is also emerging as a potential new area of therapeutics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Regulation of cellular processes by S-nitrosylation.