S-guanylation proteomics for redox-based mitochondrial signaling

Mitochondrial Chaperone Code: Just warming up

More than 99% of the mitochondrial proteome is encoded by the nucleus and requires refolding following import. Therefore, mitochondrial proteins require the coordinated action of molecular chaperones for their folding and activation. Several heat shock protein (Hsp) molecular chaperones, including members of the Hsp27, Hsp40/70, and Hsp90 families, as well as the chaperonin complex Hsp60/10 have an established role in mitochondrial protein import and folding. The "Chaperone Code" describes the regulation of chaperone activity by dynamic post-translational modifications; however, little is known about the post-translational regulation of mitochondrial chaperones. Dissecting the regulation of chaperone function is essential for understanding their differential regulation in pathogenic conditions and the potential development of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the recent literature on post-translational regulation of mitochondrial chaperones, the consequences for mitochondrial function, and potential implications for disease.

Beyond Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeric Molecules: Designing Heterobifunctional Molecules Based on Functional Effectors

In recent years, with the successful development of proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecules (PROTACs), the potential of heterobifunctional molecules to contribute to reenvisioning drug design, especially small-molecule drugs, has been increasingly recognized. Inspired by PROTACs, diverse heterobifunctional molecules have been reported to simultaneously bind two or more molecules and bring them into proximity to interaction, such as ribonuclease-recruiting, autophagy-recruiting, lysosome-recruiting, kinase-recruiting, phosphatase-recruiting, glycosyltransferase-recruiting, and acetyltransferase-recruiting chimeras. On the basis of the heterobifunctional principle, more opportunities for advancing drug design by linking potential effectors to a protein of interest (POI) have emerged. Herein, we introduce heterobifunctional molecules other than PROTACs, summarize the limitations of existing molecules, list the main challenges, and propose perspectives for future research directions, providing insight into alternative design strategies based on substrate-proximity-based targeting.

Persulfide-Dependent Regulation of Electrophilic Redox Signaling in Neural Cells

Significance: Redox homeostasis is precisely modulated by intricate systems that regulate production, elimination, and metabolism of electrophilic substances (electrophiles) in the nervous system. Since the first report of the endogenous production of reactive persulfide species in cells, such as cysteine persulfides (CysSSH), these reactive species have been a topic of extreme interest in the field of redox biology; persulfides/polysulfides possess unique chemical properties and are involved in multiple cellular functions. Recent Advances: Electrophilic signaling is mainly regulated by endogenous electrophiles that are generated from reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and their derivatives during stress responses, as well as by exogenous electrophiles, including compounds in foods and environmental pollutants, such as methylmercury (MeHg). Among diverse electrophiles that are endogenously generated, 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) possesses unique redox properties, of which the biosynthetic pathway, signaling mechanism, and metabolism in cells have been elucidated. Critical Issues: Persulfides, such as CysSSH, that are endogenously produced are critically involved in 8-nitro-cGMP metabolism. Exposure of neurons to the exogenous neurotoxicant, MeHg, causes severe neurodegeneration via disruption of persulfide-dependent 8-nitro-cGMP metabolism. Future Directions: Accumulating evidence indicates that persulfides are involved in various cellular functions under physiological and pathological conditions. These new aspects of redox biology related to persulfides may be frontiers of cell research, medical and clinical investigations of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as other fields. 8-Nitro-cGMP-mediated signaling and its persulfide-dependent metabolism in cells could, therefore, be potential targets for drug development, which may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic agents for many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Hsp60 Post-translational Modifications: Functional and Pathological Consequences

Hsp60 is a chaperone belonging to the Chaperonins of Group I and typically functions inside mitochondria in which, together with the co-chaperonin Hsp10, maintains protein homeostasis. In addition to this canonical role, Hsp60 plays many others beyond the mitochondria, for instance in the cytosol, plasma-cell membrane, extracellular space, and body fluids. These non-canonical functions include participation in inflammation, autoimmunity, carcinogenesis, cell replication, and other cellular events in health and disease. Thus, Hsp60 is a multifaceted molecule with a wide range of cellular and tissue locations and functions, which is noteworthy because there is only one hsp60 gene. The question is by what mechanism this protein can become multifaceted. Likely, one factor contributing to this diversity is post-translational modification (PTM). The amino acid sequence of Hsp60 contains many potential phosphorylation sites, and other PTMs are possible such as O-GlcNAcylation, nitration, acetylation, S-nitrosylation, citrullination, oxidation, and ubiquitination. The effect of some of these PTMs on Hsp60 functions have been examined, for instance phosphorylation has been implicated in sperm capacitation, docking of H2B and microtubule-associated proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, tumor invasiveness, and delay or facilitation of apoptosis. Nitration was found to affect the stability of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, to inhibit folding ability, and to perturb insulin secretion. Hyperacetylation was associated with mitochondrial failure; S-nitrosylation has an impact on mitochondrial stability and endothelial integrity; citrullination can be pro-apoptotic; oxidation has a role in the response to cellular injury and in cell migration; and ubiquitination regulates interaction with the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Future research ought to determine which PTM causes which variations in the Hsp60 molecular properties and functions, and which of them are pathogenic, causing chaperonopathies. This is an important topic considering the number of acquired Hsp60 chaperonopathies already cataloged, many of which are serious diseases without efficacious treatment.

Redox Regulation via Glutaredoxin-1 and Protein S-Glutathionylation

Significance: Over the past several years, oxidative post-translational modifications of protein cysteines have been recognized for their critical roles in physiology and pathophysiology. Cells have harnessed thiol modifications involving both oxidative and reductive steps for signaling and protein processing. One of these stages requires oxidation of cysteine to sulfenic acid, followed by two reduction reactions. First, glutathione (reduced glutathione [GSH]) forms a S-glutathionylated protein, and second, enzymatic or chemical reduction removes the modification. Under physiological conditions, these steps confer redox signaling and protect cysteines from irreversible oxidation. However, oxidative stress can overwhelm protein S-glutathionylation and irreversibly modify cysteine residues, disrupting redox signaling. Critical Issues: Glutaredoxins mainly catalyze the removal of protein-bound GSH and help maintain protein thiols in a highly reduced state without exerting direct antioxidant properties. Conversely, glutathione S-transferase (GST), peroxiredoxins, and occasionally glutaredoxins can also catalyze protein S-glutathionylation, thus promoting a dynamic redox environment. Recent Advances: The latest studies of glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx) transgenic or knockout mice demonstrate important distinct roles of Glrx in a variety of pathologies. Endogenous Glrx is essential to maintain normal hepatic lipid homeostasis and prevent fatty liver disease. Further, in vivo deletion of Glrx protects lungs from inflammation and bacterial pneumonia-induced damage, attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiovascular hypertrophy, and improves ischemic limb vascularization. Meanwhile, exogenous Glrx administration can reverse pathological lung fibrosis. Future Directions: Although S-glutathionylation modifies many proteins, these studies suggest that S-glutathionylation and Glrx regulate specific pathways in vivo, and they implicate Glrx as a potential novel therapeutic target to treat diverse disease conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 32, 677-700.

8-Nitro-cGMP modulates exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Nitric oxide (NO)-mediated production of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is a crucial signaling pathway that controls a wide array of neuronal functions, including exocytotic neurotransmitter release. A novel nitrated derivative of cGMP, 8-nitro-cGMP, not only activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), but also has membrane permeability and redox activity to produce superoxide and S-guanylated protein. To date, no studies have addressed the effects of 8-nitro-cGMP on exocytotic kinetics. Here, we aimed to assess the 8-nitro-cGMP-mediated modulation of the depolarization-evoked catecholamine release from bovine chromaffin cells. 8-Nitro-cGMP was produced in bovine chromaffin cells dependent on NO donor. Amperometric analysis revealed that 8-nitro-cGMP modulated the kinetic parameters of secretory spikes from chromaffin cells, particularly decreased the speed of individual spikes, resulting in a reduced amperometric spike height, slope β, and absolute value of slope γ. The modulatory effects were independent of the PKG signal and superoxide production. This is the first study to demonstrate that 8-nitro-cGMP modulates exocytosis and provide insights into a novel regulatory mechanism of exocytosis.

Nitrated Nucleotides: New Players in Signaling Pathways of Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species in Plants

Nitration of diverse biomolecules, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acid, by reactive nitrogen species represents one of the key mechanisms mediating nitric oxide (NO) biological activity across all types of organisms. 8-nitroguanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) has been described as a unique electrophilic intermediate involved in intracellular redox signaling. In animal cells, 8-nitro-cGMP is formed from guanosine-5'-triphosphate by a combined action of reactive nitrogen (RNS) and oxygen species (ROS) and guanylate cyclase. As demonstrated originally in animal models, 8-nitro-cGMP shows certain biological activities closely resembling its analog cGMP; however, its regulatory functions are mediated mainly by its electrophilic properties and chemical interactions with protein thiols resulting in a novel protein post-translational modification termed S-guanylation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, 8-nitro-cGMP was reported to mediate NO-dependent signaling pathways controlling abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure, however, its derivative 8-mercapto-cGMP (8-SH-cGMP) was later shown as the active component of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-mediated guard cell signaling. Here we present a survey of current knowledge on biosynthesis, metabolism and biological activities of nitrated nucleotides with special attention to described and proposed functions of 8-nitro-cGMP and its metabolites in plant physiology and stress responses.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) splice variant function: Insights into nitric oxide signaling from skeletal muscle

Defects in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) splice variant localization and signaling in skeletal muscle are a firmly established pathogenic characteristic of many neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively). Therefore, substantial efforts have been made to understand and therapeutically target skeletal muscle nNOS isoform signaling. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent salient advances in understanding of the regulation, targeting, and function of nNOSμ and nNOSβ splice variants in normal and dystrophic skeletal muscle, primarily using findings from mouse models. The first focus of this review is how the differential targeting of nNOS splice variants creates spatially and functionally distinct nitric oxide (NO) signaling compartments at the sarcolemma, Golgi complex, and cytoplasm. Particular attention is given to the functions of sarcolemmal nNOSμ and limitations of current nNOS knockout models. The second major focus is to review current understanding of cGMP-mediated nNOS signaling in skeletal muscle and its emergence as a therapeutic target in DMD and BMD. Accordingly, we address the preclinical and clinical successes and setbacks with the testing of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors to redress nNOS signaling defects in DMD and BMD. In summary, this review of nNOS function in normal and dystrophic muscle aims to advance understanding how the messenger NO is harnessed for cellular signaling from a skeletal muscle perspective.

Reactive Persulfides from Salmonella Typhimurium Downregulate Autophagy-Mediated Innate Immunity in Macrophages by Inhibiting Electrophilic Signaling

Reactive persulfides such as cysteine persulfide and glutathione persulfide are produced by bacteria including Salmonella during sulfur metabolism. The biological significance of bacterial reactive persulfides in host-pathogen interactions still warrants investigation. We found that reactive persulfides produced by Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 regulate macrophage autophagy via metabolizing 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP), an electrophilic product of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signaling. 8-Nitro-cGMP signaling was required for efficient autophagy-mediated clearance of Salmonella from infected macrophages. In the infected cells, 8-nitro-cGMP caused cGMP adduct formation (S-guanylation) of bacterial surface proteins, which triggered recruitment of autophagy-related proteins p62 and LC3-II to the intracellular bacteria. We also found that Salmonella-produced reactive persulfides downregulated this autophagy by decreasing cellular 8-nitro-cGMP content, thereby inhibiting electrophilic signaling. These data reveal a pathogenic role of bacteria-derived reactive persulfides via suppression of anti-bacterial autophagy.

8-Nitro-cGMP Attenuates the Interaction between SNARE Complex and Complexin through S-Guanylation of SNAP-25

8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is the second messenger in nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species redox signaling. This molecule covalently binds to protein thiol groups, called S-guanylation, and exerts various biological functions. Recently, we have identified synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) as a target of S-guanylation, and demonstrated that S-guanylation of SNAP25 enhanced SNARE complex formation. In this study, we have examined the effects of S-guanylation of SNAP-25 on the interaction between the SNARE complex and complexin (cplx), which binds to the SNARE complex with a high affinity. Pull-down assays and coimmunoprecipitation experiments have revealed that S-guanylation of Cys90 in SNAP-25 attenuates the interaction between the SNARE complex and cplx. In addition, blue native-PAGE followed by Western blot analysis revealed that the amount of cplx detected at a high molecular weight decreased upon 8-nitro-cGMP treatment in SH-SY5Y cells. These results demonstrated for the first time that S-guanylation of SNAP-25 attenuates the interaction between the SNARE complex and cplx.

8-Nitro-cGMP: A Novel Protein-Reactive cNMP and Its Emerging Roles in Autophagy

Nitric oxide (NO) raises the intracellular 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level through the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and, in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reacts with biomolecules to produce nitrated cGMP derivatives. 8-Nitro-cGMP was the first endogenous cGMP derivative discovered in mammalian cells (2007) and was later found in plant cells. Among the six nitrogen atoms in this molecule, the one in the nitro group (NO₂) comes from NO. This chapter asserts that this newly found cGMP is undoubtedly one of the major physiological cNMPs. Multiple studies suggest that its intracellular abundance might exceed that of unmodified cGMP. The characteristic chemical feature of 8-nitro-cGMP is its ability to modify proteinous cysteine residues via a stable sulfide bond. In this posttranslational modification, the nitro group is detached from the guanine base. This modification, termed "protein S-guanylation," is known to regulate the physiological functions of several important proteins. Furthermore, 8-nitro-cGMP participates in the regulation of autophagy. For example, in antibacterial autophagy (xenophagy), S-guanylation accumulates around invading bacterial cells and functions as a "tag" for subsequent clearance of the organism via ubiquitin modifications. This finding suggests the existence of a system for recognizing the cGMP structure on proteins. Autophagy induction by 8-nitro-cGMP is mechanistically distinct from the well-described starvation-induced autophagy and is independent of the action of mTOR, the master regulator of canonical autophagy.

Exposure to Electrophiles Impairs Reactive Persulfide-Dependent Redox Signaling in Neuronal Cells

Electrophiles such as methylmercury (MeHg) affect cellular functions by covalent modification with endogenous thiols. Reactive persulfide species were recently reported to mediate antioxidant responses and redox signaling because of their strong nucleophilicity. In this study, we used MeHg as an environmental electrophile and found that exposure of cells to the exogenous electrophile elevated intracellular concentrations of the endogenous electrophilic molecule 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP), accompanied by depletion of reactive persulfide species and 8-SH-cGMP which is a metabolite of 8-nitro-cGMP. Exposure to MeHg also induced S-guanylation and activation of H-Ras followed by injury to cerebellar granule neurons. The electrophile-induced activation of redox signaling and the consequent cell damage were attenuated by pretreatment with a reactive persulfide species donor. In conclusion, exogenous electrophiles such as MeHg with strong electrophilicity impair the redox signaling regulatory mechanism, particularly of intracellular reactive persulfide species and therefore lead to cellular pathogenesis. Our results suggest that reactive persulfide species may be potential therapeutic targets for attenuating cell injury by electrophiles.

8-Nitro-cGMP promotes bone growth through expansion of growth plate cartilage

In endochondral ossification, growth of bones occurs at their growth plate cartilage. While it is known that nitric oxide (NO) synthases are required for proliferation of chondrocytes in growth plate cartilage and growth of bones, the precise mechanism by which NO facilitates these process has not been clarified yet. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) also positively regulate elongation of bones through expansion of the growth plate cartilage. Both NO and CNP are known to use cGMP as the second messenger. Recently, 8-nitro-cGMP was identified as a signaling molecule produced in the presence of NO in various types of cells. Here, we found that 8-nitro-cGMP is produced in proliferating chondrocytes in the growth plates, which was enhanced by CNP, in bones cultured ex vivo. In addition, 8-nitro-cGMP promoted bone growth with expansion of the proliferating zone as well as increase in the number of proliferating cells in the growth plates. 8-Nitro-cGMP also promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro. On the other hand, 8-bromo-cGMP enhanced the growth of bones with expansion of hypertrophic zone of the growth plates without affecting either the width of proliferating zone or proliferation of chondrocytes. These results indicate that 8-nitro-cGMP formed in growth plate cartilage accelerates chondrocyte proliferation and bone growth as a downstream molecule of NO.

Redox regulation of electrophilic signaling by reactive persulfides in cardiac cells

Maintaining a redox balance by means of precisely controlled systems that regulate production, and elimination, and metabolism of electrophilic substances (electrophiles) is essential for normal cardiovascular function. Electrophilic signaling is mainly regulated by endogenous electrophiles that are generated from reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and the derivative reactive species of nitric oxide during stress responses, as well as by exogenous electrophiles including compounds in foods and environmental pollutants. Among electrophiles formed endogenously, 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) has unique cell signaling functions, and pathways for its biosynthesis, signaling mechanism, and metabolism in cells have been clarified. Reactive persulfide species such as cysteine persulfides and polysulfides that are endogenously produced in cells are likely to be involved in 8-nitro-cGMP metabolism. These new aspects of redox biology may stimulate innovative and multidisciplinary research in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. In our review, we focus on the redox-dependent regulation of electrophilic signaling via reduction and metabolism of electrophiles by reactive persulfides in cardiac cells, and we include suggestions for a new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease.

Superoxide generation from nNOS splice variants and its potential involvement in redox signal regulation

We previously demonstrated different spacial expression profiles of the neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) splice variants nNOS-µ and nNOS-α in the brain; however, their exact functions are not fully understood. Here, we used electron paramagnetic resonance to compare the electron-uncoupling reactions of recombinant nNOS-µ and nNOS-α that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), in this case superoxide. nNOS-µ generated 44% of the amount of superoxide that nNOS-α generated. We also evaluated the ROS production in HEK293 cells stably expressing nNOS-α and nNOS-µ by investigating these electron-uncoupling reactions as induced by calcium ionophore A23187. A23187 treatment induced greater ROS production in HEK293 cells expressing nNOS-α than those expressing nNOS-µ. Also, immunocytochemical analysis revealed that A23187-treated cells expressing nNOS-α produced more 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, a second messenger in NO/ROS redox signaling, than did the cells expressing nNOS-µ. Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that the ratio of nonsynonymous sites to synonymous sites for the nNOS-µ-specific region was higher than that for the complete gene, indicating that this region has fewer functional constraints than does the complete gene. These observations shed light on the physiological relevance of the nNOS-µ variant and may improve understanding of nNOS-dependent NO/ROS redox signaling and its pathophysiological consequences in neuronal systems.

Synthesis and Characterization of 8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-Cyclic Monophosphorothioate Rp-Isomer as a Potent Inhibitor of Protein Kinase G1α

Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinases (PKG) are kinases regulating diverse physiological functions including vascular smooth muscle relaxation, neuronal synaptic plasticity, and platelet activities. Certain PKG inhibitors, such as Rp-diastereomers of derivatives of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cGMPS), have been designed and used to study PKG-regulated cell signaling. 8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is an endogenous cGMP derivative formed as a result of excess production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. 8-Nitro-cGMP causes persistent activation of PKG1α through covalent attachment of cGMP moieties to cysteine residues of the enzyme (i.e., the process called protein S-guanylation). In this study, we synthesized a nitrated analogue of Rp-cGMPS, 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate Rp-isomer (Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS), and investigated its effects on PKG1α activity. We synthesized Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS by reacting Rp-8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-bromo-cGMPS) with sodium nitrite. Rp-8-Nitro-cGMPS reacted with the thiol compounds cysteine and glutathione to form Rp-8-thioalkoxy-cGMPS adducts to a similar extent as did 8-nitro-cGMP. As an important finding, a protein S-guanylation-like modification was clearly observed, by using Western blotting, in the reaction between recombinant PKG1α and Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS. Rp-8-Nitro-cGMPS inhibited PKG1α activity with an inhibitory constant of 22 µM in a competitive manner. An organ bath assay with mouse aorta demonstrated that Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS inhibited vascular relaxation induced by acetylcholine or 8-bromo-cGMP more than Rp-8-bromo-cGMPS did. These findings suggest that Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS inhibits PKG through induction of an S-guanylation-like modification by attaching the Rp-cGMPS moiety to the enzyme. Additional study is warranted to explore the potential application of Rp-8-nitro-cGMPS to biochemical and therapeutic research involving PKG1α activation.

Redox Signaling Regulated by Cysteine Persulfide and Protein Polysulfidation

For decades, reactive persulfide species including cysteine persulfide (CysSSH) have been known to exist endogenously in organisms. However, the physiological significance of endogenous persulfides remains poorly understood. That cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase produced CysSSH from cystine was recently demonstrated. An endogenous sulfur transfer system involving CysSSH evidently generates glutathione persulfide (GSSH) that exists at concentrations greater than 100 μM in vivo. Because reactive persulfide species such as CysSSH and GSSH have higher nucleophilicity than parental cysteine (Cys) and glutathione do, these reactive species exhibit strong scavenging activities against oxidants, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, and electrophiles, which contributes to redox signaling regulation. Also, several papers indicated that various proteins and enzymes have Cys polysulfides including CysSSH at their specific Cys residues, which is called protein polysulfidation. Apart from the redox signaling regulatory mechanism, another plausible function of protein polysulfidation is providing protection for protein thiol residues against irreversible chemical modification caused by oxidants and electrophiles. Elucidation of the redox signaling regulatory mechanism of reactive persulfide species including small thiol molecules and thiol-containing proteins should lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and drug discoveries for oxidative and electrophilic stress-related diseases.

Redox signaling regulated by an electrophilic cyclic nucleotide and reactive cysteine persulfides

Reactive oxygen (oxidant) and free radical species are known to cause nonspecific damage of various biological molecules. The oxidant toxicology is developing an emerging concept of the physiological functions of reactive oxygen species in cell signaling regulation. Redox signaling is precisely modulated by endogenous electrophilic substances that are generated from reactive oxygen species during cellular oxidative stress responses. Among diverse electrophilic molecular species that are endogenously generated, 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is a unique second messenger whose formation, signaling, and metabolism in cells was recently clarified. Most important, our current studies revealed that reactive cysteine persulfides that are formed abundantly in cells are critically involved in the metabolism of 8-nitro-cGMP. Modern redox biology involves frontiers of cell research and stem cell research; medical and clinical investigations of infections, cancer, metabolic syndrome, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases; and other fields. 8-Nitro-cGMP-mediated signaling and metabolism in cells may therefore be potential targets for drug development, which may lead to discovery of new therapeutic agents for many diseases.

Endogenous occurrence of protein S-guanylation in Escherichia coli: Target identification and genetic regulation

8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is a nitrated cGMP derivative formed in response to nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). It can cause a post-translational modification (PTM) of protein thiols through cGMP adduction (protein S-guanylation). Accumulating evidence has suggested that, in mammals, S-guanylation of redox-sensor proteins may implicate in regulation of adaptive responses against ROS-associated oxidative stress. Occurrence as well as protein targets of S-guanylation in bacteria remained unknown, however. Here we demonstrated, for the first time, the endogenous occurrence of protein S-guanylation in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Western blotting using anti-S-guanylation antibody clearly showed that multiple proteins were S-guanylated in E. coli. Interestingly, some of those proteins were more intensely S-guanylated when bacteria were cultured under static culture condition than shaking culture condition. It has been known that E. coli is deficient of guanylate cyclase, an enzyme indispensable for 8-nitro-cGMP formation in mammals. We found that adenylate cyclase from E. coli potentially catalyzed 8-nitro-cGMP formation from its precursor 8-nitroguanosine 5'-triphosphate. More importantly, E. coli lacking adenylate cyclase showed significantly reduced formation of S-guanylated proteins. Our S-guanylation proteomics successfully identified S-guanylation protein targets in E. coli, including chaperons, ribosomal proteins, and enzymes which associate with protein synthesis, redox regulation and metabolism. Understanding of functional impacts for protein S-guanylation in bacterial signal transduction is necessary basis for development of potential chemotherapy and new diagnostic strategy for control of pathogenic bacterial infections.

Redox signaling regulated by electrophiles and reactive sulfur species

Redox signaling is a key modulator of oxidative stress induced by nonspecific insults of biological molecules generated by reactive oxygen species. Current redox biology is revisiting the traditional concept of oxidative stress, such that toxic effects of reactive oxygen species are protected by diverse antioxidant systems upregulated by oxidative stress responses that are physiologically mediated by redox-dependent cell signaling pathways. Redox signaling is thus precisely regulated by endogenous electrophilic substances that are generated from reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and its derivative reactive species during stress responses. Among electrophiles formed endogenously, 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) has unique cell signaling functions, and pathways for its biosynthesis, signaling mechanism, and metabolism in cells have been clarified. Reactive sulfur species such as cysteine hydropersulfides that are abundant in cells are likely involved in 8-nitro-cGMP metabolism. These new aspects of redox biology may stimulate innovative and multidisciplinary research in cell and stem cell biology; infectious diseases, cancer, metabolic syndrome, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases; and other oxidative stress-related disorders. This review focuses on the most recent progress in the biosynthesis, cell signaling, and metabolism of 8-nitro-cGMP, which is a likely target for drug development and lead to discovery of novel therapeutics for many diseases.

Persistent Activation of cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase by a Nitrated Cyclic Nucleotide via Site Specific Protein S-Guanylation

8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is a nitrated derivative of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) formed endogenously under conditions associated with production of both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. It acts as an electrophilic second messenger in the regulation of cellular signaling by inducing a post-translational modification of redox-sensitive protein thiols via covalent adduction of cGMP moieties to protein thiols (protein S-guanylation). Here, we demonstrate that 8-nitro-cGMP potentially S-guanylates thiol groups of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), the enzyme that serves as one of the major receptor proteins for intracellular cGMP and controls a variety of cellular responses. S-Guanylation of PKG was found to occur in a site specific manner; Cys42 and Cys195 were the susceptible residues among 11 Cys residues. Importantly, S-guanylation at Cys195, which is located in the high-affinity cGMP binding domain of PKG, causes persistent enzyme activation as determined by in vitro kinase assay as well as by an organ bath assay. In vivo, S-guanylation of PKG was demonstrated to occur in mice without any specific treatment and was significantly enhanced by lipopolysaccharide administration. These findings warrant further investigation in terms of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of S-guanylation-dependent persistent PKG activation.

8-Nitro-cGMP Enhances SNARE Complex Formation through S-Guanylation of Cys90 in SNAP25

Nitrated guanine nucleotide 8-nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) generated by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species causes protein S-guanylation. However, the mechanism of 8-nitro-cGMP formation and its protein targets in the normal brain have not been identified. Here, we investigated 8-nitro-cGMP generation and protein S-guanylation in the rodent brain. Immunohistochemistry indicated that 8-nitro-cGMP was produced by neurons, such as pyramidal cells and interneurons. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we determined endogenous 8-nitro-cGMP levels in the brain as 2.92 ± 0.10 pmol/mg protein. Based on S-guanylation proteomics, we identified several S-guanylated neuronal proteins, including SNAP25 which is a core member of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex. SNAP25 post-translational modification including palmitoylation, phosphorylation, and oxidation, are known to regulate neurotransmission. Our results demonstrate that S-guanylation of SNAP25 enhanced the stability of the SNARE complex, which was further promoted by Ca(2+)-dependent activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified SNAP25 cysteine 90 as the main target of S-guanylation which enhanced the stability of the SNARE complex. The present study revealed a novel target of redox signaling via protein S-guanylation in the nervous system and provided the first substantial evidence of 8-nitro-cGMP function in the nervous system.

Formation, signaling functions, and metabolisms of nitrated cyclic nucleotide

8-Nitroguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) is a unique derivative of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) formed in mammalian and plant cells in response to production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. 8-Nitro-cGMP possesses signaling activity inherited from parental cGMP, including induction of vasorelaxation through activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. On the other hand, 8-nitro-cGMP mediates cellular signaling that is not observed for native cGMP, e.g., it behaves as an electrophile and reacts with protein sulfhydryls, which results in cGMP adduction to protein sulfhydryls (protein S-guanylation). Several proteins have been identified as targets for endogenous protein S-guanylation, including Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), H-Ras, and mitochondrial heat shock proteins. 8-Nitro-cGMP signaling via protein S-guanylation of those proteins may have evolved to convey adaptive cellular stress responses. 8-Nitro-cGMP may not undergo conventional cGMP metabolism because of its resistance to phosphodiesterases. Hydrogen sulfide has recently been identified as a potent regulator for metabolisms of electrophiles including 8-nitro-cGMP, through sulfhydration of electrophiles, e.g., leading to the formation of 8-SH-cGMP. Better understanding of the molecular basis for the formation, signaling functions, and metabolisms of 8-nitro-cGMP would be useful for the development of new diagnostic approaches and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and redox metabolisms.