The Evolution of Nitric Oxide Function: From Reactivity in the Prebiotic Earth to Examples of Biological Roles and Therapeutic Applications.

ABSTRACT: Nitric oxide was once considered to be of marginal interest to the biological sciences and medicine; however, there is now wide recognition, but not yet a comprehensive understanding, of its functions and effects. NO is a reactive, toxic free radical with numerous biological targets, especially metal ions. However, NO and its reaction products also play key roles as reductant and oxidant in biological redox processes, in signal transduction, immunity and infection, as well as other roles. Consequently, it can be sensed, metabolized and modified in biological systems. Here, we present a brief overview of the chemistry and biology of NO-in particular, its origins in geological time and in contemporary biology, its toxic consequences and its critical biological functions. Given that NO, with

SUBMITTER: Shepherd M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9311577 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature