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Review
. 2013 May;1830(5):3173-81.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.02.004. Epub 2013 Feb 14.

S-nitrosoglutathione

Affiliations
Review

S-nitrosoglutathione

Katarzyna A Broniowska et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 May.

Abstract

Background: S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is the S-nitrosated derivative of glutathione and is thought to be a critical mediator of the down stream signaling effects of nitric oxide (NO). GSNO has also been implicated as a contributor to various disease states.

Scope of review: This review focuses on the chemical nature of GSNO, its biological activities, the evidence that it is an endogenous mediator of NO action, and implications for therapeutic use.

Major conclusions: GSNO clearly exerts its cellular actions through both NO- and S-nitrosation-dependent mechanisms; however, the chemical and biological aspects of this compound should be placed in the context of S-nitrosation as a whole.

General significance: GSNO is a central intermediate in formation and degradation of cellular S-nitrosothiols with potential therapeutic applications; thus, it remains an important molecule of study. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Cellular functions of glutathione.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A model for cellular S-nitrosothiol uptake. Cystine (Cys-SS-Cys) is transported into cells through Xc and subsequently reduced to cysteine (Cys) within the cell. Cysteine can then be exported back to the extracellular space where it is transnitrosated by GSNO to form S-nitrosocysteine (CysNO). CysNO is a good substrate for amino acid transporter system L (L-AT) and is avidly taken up by cells; thus, transferring the nitroso function group across the plasma membrane. Additional transnitrosation rations can occur within the cell.

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