Protein S -Nitrosylation and Cardioprotection

Abstract

Abstract : Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. In addition to the classic NO activation of the cGMP-dependent pathway, NO can also regulate cell function through protein S -nitrosylation, a redox dependent, thiol-based, reversible posttranslational protein modification that involves attachment of an NO moiety to a nucleophilic protein sulfhydryl group. There are emerging data suggesting that S -nitrosylation of proteins plays an important role in cardioprotection. Protein S -nitrosylation not only leads to changes in protein structure and function but also prevents these thiol(s) from further irreversible oxidative/nitrosative modification. A better understanding of the mechanism regulating protein S -nitrosylation and its role in cardioprotection will provide us new therapeutic opportunities and targets for interventions in cardiovascular diseases.