NO: an inhibitor of cell death.
Nitric oxide (NO) or related molecules of both endogenous and exogenous origin inhibit programmed cell death in a variety of cells and tissues. This general protective function is largely independent of the apoptotic stimulus. S-nitrosylation of the catalytic-site cysteine of caspases is a well-established and possibly widespread mechanism of enzyme inhibition that protects from cell death. However, NO may inhibit apoptosis by additional mechanisms. The physiological and pathological significance of NO's anti-apoptotic activity remains to be determined in most cases.
Liu
L
L
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, 27710, USA.
Stamler
J S
JS
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology*; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide