Generation, translocation, and action of nitric oxide in living systems.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous diatomic radical that is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological functions in biology. Conceptually, the biochemistry of NO can be separated into three stages: generation (stage 1), translocation (stage 2), and action (stage 3). In stage 1 the oxygenase domain of NO synthase converts L-arginine to L-citrulline and NO (g). Owing to its short-lived nature, this molecule is converted into a different nitrogen oxide such as NO(2), an organonitrosyl such as a nitrosothiol, or a metal nitrosyl such as a heme-nitrosyl, for transportation in stage 2. Each of these derivatives features unique physical characteristics, chemical reactivity, and biological activity. Upon delivery in stage 3, NO exerts its physiological or pathological function by reaction with biomolecules containing redox-active metals or other residues.
Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Andrew G
AG
Tennyson
Stephen J
SJ
Lippard
D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism; D001692:Biological Transport; D002956:Citrulline / Q000378:metabolism; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase / Q000378:metabolism; D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011487:Protein Conformation; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D000071756:Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase
D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins; D009589:Nitrogen Oxides; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D002956:Citrulline; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase; D000071756:Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase