Low-molecular-weight and protein thiols (LMW and protein thiols)

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) and protein thiols are essential mediators in the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway, primarily functioning through the formation of S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) (Source: Hess et al., 2005, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). LMW thiols, such as glutathione and cysteine, serve as mobile carriers and reservoirs for NO, facilitating its transport and protecting it from rapid degradation (Source: Stamler et al., 1992, PNAS). Protein thiols undergo S-nitrosylation, a reversible post-translational modification that acts as a molecular switch to regulate protein function, localization, and stability (Source: Foster et al., 2003, Trends in Molecular Medicine). This signaling mechanism is crucial for physiological processes such as vascular tone regulation, immune response, and neuronal signaling. Dysregulation of the S-nitrosylation/denitrosylation balance is linked to various diseases, including heart failure, respiratory disorders like asthma, and neurodegeneration (Source: Liu et al., 2004, Nature). Pharmacological intervention typically involves the use of NO donors to increase SNO levels or the inhibition of enzymes like S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) to prevent the breakdown of endogenous S-nitrosothiols (Source: Sun et al., 2011, PNAS).

Other names

S-nitrosothiolsSNOsThiol-based redox switchesS-nitrosylation targetsSulfhydryl groups

Modulation of S-nitrosylation levels through NO donation, thiol supplementation, or inhibition of denitrosylating enzymes like GSNOR.