Sulfite Oxidase Catalyzes Single-Electron Transfer at Molybdenum Domain to Reduce Nitrite to Nitric Oxide

Astrocytes produce nitric oxide via nitrite reduction in mitochondria to regulate cerebral blood flow during brain hypoxia

During hypoxia, increases in cerebral blood flow maintain brain oxygen delivery. Here, we describe a mechanism of brain oxygen sensing that mediates the dilation of intraparenchymal cerebral blood vessels in response to reductions in oxygen supply. In vitro and in vivo experiments conducted in rodent models show that during hypoxia, cortical astrocytes produce the potent vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) via nitrite reduction in mitochondria. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration mimics, but also occludes, the effect of hypoxia on NO production in astrocytes. Astrocytes display high expression of the molybdenum-cofactor-containing mitochondrial enzyme sulfite oxidase, which can catalyze nitrite reduction in hypoxia. Replacement of molybdenum with tungsten or knockdown of sulfite oxidase expression in astrocytes blocks hypoxia-induced NO production by these glial cells and reduces the cerebrovascular response to hypoxia. These data identify astrocyte mitochondria as brain oxygen sensors that regulate cerebral blood flow during hypoxia via release of nitric oxide.

Advancing Our Understanding of Pyranopterin-Dithiolene Contributions to Moco Enzyme Catalysis

The pyranopterin dithiolene ligand is remarkable in terms of its geometric and electronic structure and is uniquely found in mononuclear molybdenum and tungsten enzymes. The pyranopterin dithiolene is found coordinated to the metal ion, deeply buried within the protein, and non-covalently attached to the protein via an extensive hydrogen bonding network that is enzyme-specific. However, the function of pyranopterin dithiolene in enzymatic catalysis has been difficult to determine. This focused account aims to provide an overview of what has been learned from the study of pyranopterin dithiolene model complexes of molybdenum and how these results relate to the enzyme systems. This work begins with a summary of what is known about the pyranopterin dithiolene ligand in the enzymes. We then introduce the development of inorganic small molecule complexes that model aspects of a coordinated pyranopterin dithiolene and discuss the results of detailed physical studies of the models by electronic absorption, resonance Raman, X-ray absorption and NMR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactivity.

The mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component-from prodrug-activation mechanism to drug-metabolizing enzyme and onward to drug target

The mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component (mARC) is one of five known molybdenum enzymes in eukaryotes. mARC belongs to the MOSC domain superfamily, a large group of so far poorly studied molybdoenzymes. mARC was initially discovered as the enzyme activating N-hydroxylated prodrugs of basic amidines but has since been shown to also reduce a variety of other N-oxygenated compounds, for example, toxic nucleobase analogs. Under certain circumstances, mARC might also be involved in reductive nitric oxide synthesis through reduction of nitrite. Recently, mARC enzymes have received a lot of attention due to their apparent involvement in lipid metabolism and, in particular, because many genome-wide association studies have shown a common variant of human mARC1 to have a protective effect against liver disease. The mechanism linking mARC enzymes with lipid metabolism remains unknown. Here, we give a comprehensive overview of what is currently known about mARC enzymes, their substrates, structure, and apparent involvement in human disease.

The History of Animal and Plant Sulfite Oxidase-A Personal View

Sulfite oxidase is one of five molybdenum-containing enzymes known in eukaryotes where it catalyzes the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate. This review covers the history of sulfite oxidase research starting out with the early years of its discovery as a hepatic mitochondrial enzyme in vertebrates, leading to basic biochemical and structural properties that have inspired research for decades. A personal view on sulfite oxidase in plants, that sulfates are assimilated for their de novo synthesis of cysteine, is presented by Ralf Mendel with numerous unexpected findings and unique properties of this single-cofactor sulfite oxidase localized to peroxisomes. Guenter Schwarz connects his research to sulfite oxidase via its deficiency in humans, demonstrating its unique role amongst all molybdenum enzymes in humans. In essence, in both the plant and animal kingdoms, sulfite oxidase represents an important player in redox regulation, signaling and metabolism, thereby connecting sulfur and nitrogen metabolism in multiple ways.

Mechanistic complexities of sulfite oxidase: An enzyme with multiple domains, subunits, and cofactors

Sulfite oxidase (SO) deficiency, an inherited disease that causes severe neonatal neurological problems and early death, arises from defects in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) (general sulfite oxidase deficiency) or from inborn errors in the SUOX gene for SO (isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency, ISOD). The X-ray structure of the highly homologous homonuclear dimeric chicken sulfite oxidase (cSO) provides a template for locating ISOD mutation sites in human sulfite oxidase (hSO). Catalysis occurs within an individual subunit of hSO, but mutations that disrupt the hSO dimer are pathological. The catalytic cycle of SO involves five metal oxidation states (MoVI, MoV, MoIV, FeIII, FeII), two intramolecular electron transfer (IET) steps, and couples a two-electron oxygen atom transfer reaction at the Mo center with two one-electron transfers from the integral b-type heme to exogenous cytochrome c, the physiological oxidant. Several ISOD examples are analyzed using steady-state, stopped-flow, and laser flash photolysis kinetics and physical measurements of recombinant variants of hSO and native cSO. In the structure of cSO, Mo…Fe = 32 Å, much too long for efficient IET through the protein. Interdomain motion that brings the Mo and heme centers closer together to facilitate IET is supported indirectly by decreasing the length of the interdomain tether, by changes in the charges of surface residues of the Mo and heme domains, as well as by preliminary molecular dynamics calculations. However, direct dynamic measurements of interdomain motion are in their infancy.

Bringing Nitric Oxide to the Molybdenum World-A Personal Perspective

Molybdenum-containing enzymes of the xanthine oxidase (XO) family are well known to catalyse oxygen atom transfer reactions, with the great majority of the characterised enzymes catalysing the insertion of an oxygen atom into the substrate. Although some family members are known to catalyse the "reverse" reaction, the capability to abstract an oxygen atom from the substrate molecule is not generally recognised for these enzymes. Hence, it was with surprise and scepticism that the "molybdenum community" noticed the reports on the mammalian XO capability to catalyse the oxygen atom abstraction of nitrite to form nitric oxide (NO). The lack of precedent for a molybdenum- (or tungsten) containing nitrite reductase on the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle contributed also to the scepticism. It took several kinetic, spectroscopic and mechanistic studies on enzymes of the XO family and also of sulfite oxidase and DMSO reductase families to finally have wide recognition of the molybdoenzymes' ability to form NO from nitrite. Herein, integrated in a collection of "personal views" edited by Professor Ralf Mendel, is an overview of my personal journey on the XO and aldehyde oxidase-catalysed nitrite reduction to NO. The main research findings and the path followed to establish XO and AO as competent nitrite reductases are reviewed. The evidence suggesting that these enzymes are probable players of the mammalian NO metabolism is also discussed.

Does the Micronutrient Molybdenum Have a Role in Gestational Complications and Placental Health?

Molybdenum is an essential trace element for human health and survival, with molybdenum-containing enzymes catalysing multiple reactions in the metabolism of purines, aldehydes, and sulfur-containing amino acids. Recommended daily intakes vary globally, with molybdenum primarily sourced through the diet, and supplementation is not common. Although the benefits of molybdenum as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant inducer have been reported in the literature, there are conflicting data on the benefits of molybdenum for chronic diseases. Overexposure and deficiency can result in adverse health outcomes and mortality, although physiological doses remain largely unexplored in relation to human health. The lack of knowledge surrounding molybdenum intake and the role it plays in physiology is compounded during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, micronutrient demand increases, and diet is an established factor in programming gestational outcomes and maternal health. This review summarises the current literature concerning varied recommendations on molybdenum intake, the role of molybdenum and molybdoenzymes in physiology, and the contribution these play in gestational outcomes.

Multiple Ways of Nitric Oxide Production in Plants and Its Functional Activity under Abiotic Stress Conditions

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous signaling molecule that plays an important role in plant ontogenesis and responses to different stresses. The most widespread abiotic stress factors limiting significantly plant growth and crop yield are drought, salinity, hypo-, hyperthermia, and an excess of heavy metal (HM) ions. Data on the accumulation of endogenous NO under stress factors and on the alleviation of their negative effects under exogenous NO treatments indicate the perspectives of its practical application to improve stress resistance and plant productivity. This requires fundamental knowledge of the NO metabolism and the mechanisms of its biological action in plants. NO generation occurs in plants by two main alternative mechanisms: oxidative or reductive, in spontaneous or enzymatic reactions. NO participates in plant development by controlling the processes of seed germination, vegetative growth, morphogenesis, flower transition, fruit ripening, and senescence. Under stressful conditions, NO contributes to antioxidant protection, osmotic adjustment, normalization of water balance, regulation of cellular ion homeostasis, maintenance of photosynthetic reactions, and growth processes of plants. NO can exert regulative action by inducing posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins changing the activity of different enzymes or transcriptional factors, modulating the expression of huge amounts of genes, including those related to stress tolerance. This review summarizes the current data concerning molecular mechanisms of NO production and its activity in plants during regulation of their life cycle and adaptation to drought, salinity, temperature stress, and HM ions.

The History of Desulfovibrio gigas Aldehyde Oxidoreductase-A Personal View

A story going back almost 40 years is presented in this manuscript. This is a different and more challenging way of reporting my research and I hope it will be useful to and target a wide-ranging audience. When preparing the manuscript and collecting references on the subject of this paper-aldehyde oxidoreductase from Desulfovibrio gigas-I felt like I was travelling back in time (and space), bringing together the people that have contributed most to this area of research. I sincerely hope that I can give my collaborators the credit they deserve. This study is not presented as a chronologic narrative but as a grouping of topics, the development of which occurred over many years.

Aerobic bacteria produce nitric oxide via denitrification and promote algal population collapse

Microbial interactions govern marine biogeochemistry. These interactions are generally considered to rely on exchange of organic molecules. Here we report on a novel inorganic route of microbial communication, showing that algal-bacterial interactions between Phaeobacter inhibens bacteria and Gephyrocapsa huxleyi algae are mediated through inorganic nitrogen exchange. Under oxygen-rich conditions, aerobic bacteria reduce algal-secreted nitrite to nitric oxide (NO) through denitrification, a well-studied anaerobic respiratory mechanism. The bacterial NO is involved in triggering a cascade in algae akin to programmed cell death. During death, algae further generate NO, thereby propagating the signal in the algal population. Eventually, the algal population collapses, similar to the sudden demise of oceanic algal blooms. Our study suggests that the exchange of inorganic nitrogen species in oxygenated environments is a potentially significant route of microbial communication within and across kingdoms.

Effect mechanism of individual and combined salinity on the nitrogen removal yield of heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria

One of the biggest challenges of applying heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacteria to treat high salt organic wastewater lies in the inhibitory effect exerted by salinity. To study the inhibition effect and underlying mechanism induced by different ion types and ion composition, the individual and combined effects of NaCl, KCl and Na₂SO₄ on HN-AD bacteria Acinetobacter sp. TAC-1 were systematically investigated by batch experiments. Results indicated that the ammonia nitrogen removal yield and TAC-1 activity decreased with increased salt concentration. NaCl, KCl and Na₂SO₄ exerted different degrees of inhibition on TAC-1, with half concentration inhibition constant values of 0.205, 0.238 and 0.110 M, respectively. A synergistic effect on TAC-1 was found with the combinations of NaCl + KCl, NaCl + Na₂SO₄ and NaCl + KCl + Na₂SO₄. The whole RNA resequencing suggested that transcripts of denitrification genes (nirB and nasA) were significantly downregulated with increased Na₂SO₄ concentration. Simultaneously, Na₂SO₄ stress disrupted cell respiration, DNA replication, transcription, translation, and induced oxidative stress. Finally, we proposed a conceptual model to summarize the inhibition mechanisms and possible response strategies of TAC-1 bacteria under Na₂SO₄ stress.

Molecular mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer in dimeric sulfite oxidase

Sulfite oxidase (SOX) is a homodimeric molybdoheme enzyme that oxidizes sulfite to sulfate at the molybdenum center. Following substrate oxidation, molybdenum is reduced and subsequently regenerated by two sequential electron transfers (ETs) via heme to cytochrome c. SOX harbors both metals in spatially separated domains within each subunit, suggesting that domain movement is necessary to allow intramolecular ET. To address whether one subunit in a SOX dimer is sufficient for catalysis, we produced heterodimeric SOX variants with abolished sulfite oxidation by replacing the molybdenum-coordinating and essential cysteine in the active site. To further elucidate whether electrons can bifurcate between subunits, we truncated one or both subunits by deleting the heme domain. We generated three SOX heterodimers: (i) SOX/Mo with two active molybdenum centers but one deleted heme domain, (ii) SOX/Mo_C264S with one unmodified and one inactive subunit, and (iii) SOX_C264S/Mo harboring a functional molybdenum center on one subunit and a heme domain on the other subunit. Steady-state kinetics showed 50% SOX activity for the SOX/Mo and SOX/Mo_C264S heterodimers, whereas SOX_C264S/Mo activity was reduced by two orders of magnitude. Rapid reaction kinetics monitoring revealed comparable ET rates in SOX/Mo, SOX/Mo_C264S, and SOX/SOX, whereas in SOX_C264S/Mo, ET was strongly compromised. We also combined a functional SOX Mo domain with an inactive full-length SOX R217W variant and demonstrated interdimer ET that resembled SOX_C264S/Mo activity. Collectively, our results indicate that one functional subunit in SOX is sufficient for catalysis and that electrons derived from either Mo^(IV) or Mo^(V) follow this path.

Direct measurement of nitric oxide (NO) production rates from enzymes using ozone-based gas-phase chemiluminescence (CL)

Nitric oxide (NO) chemiluminescence detectors (CLDs) are specialized and sensitive spectroscopic instruments capable of directly measuring NO flux rates. NO CLDs have been instrumental in the characterization of mammalian nitrite-dependent NO synthases. However, no detailed description of NO flux analysis using NO CLD is available. Herein, a detailed review of the NO CL methodology is provided with guidelines for measuring NO-production rates from aqueous samples, such as isolated enzymes or protein homogenates. Detailed description of the types of signals one can encounter, data processing, and potential pitfalls related to NO flux measurements will also be covered.

Skeletal Muscle Nitrate as a Regulator of Systemic Nitric Oxide Homeostasis

ABSTRACT

Non-enzymatic nitric oxide (NO) generation via the reduction of nitrate and nitrite ions, along with remarkably high levels of nitrate ions in skeletal muscle, have been recently described. Skeletal muscle nitrate storage may be critical for maintenance of NO homeostasis in healthy ageing and nitrate supplementation may be useful for treatment of specific pathophysiologies as well as enhancing normal functions.

Molybdenum cofactor biology, evolution and deficiency

The molybdenum cofactor (Moco) represents an ancient metal‑sulfur cofactor, which participates as catalyst in carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycles, both on individual and global scale. Given the diversity of biological processes dependent on Moco and their evolutionary age, Moco is traced back to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA), while Moco biosynthetic genes underwent significant changes through evolution and acquired additional functions. In this review, focused on eukaryotic Moco biology, we elucidate the benefits of gene fusions on Moco biosynthesis and beyond. While originally the gene fusions were driven by biosynthetic advantages such as coordinated expression of functionally related proteins and product/substrate channeling, they also served as origin for the development of novel functions. Today, Moco biosynthetic genes are involved in a multitude of cellular processes and loss of the according gene products result in severe disorders, both related to Moco biosynthesis and secondary enzyme functions.

Effects of Oral Sodium Nitrite on Blood Pressure, Insulin Sensitivity, and Intima-Media Arterial Thickening in Adults With Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome

The nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway regulates NO synthase-independent vasodilation and NO signaling. Ingestion of inorganic nitrite has vasodilatory and blood pressure-lowering effects. Preclinical studies in rodent models suggest there may be a benefit of nitrite in lowering serum triglyceride levels and improving the metabolic syndrome. In a phase 2 study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of chronic oral nitrite therapy in patients with hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. Twenty adult subjects with stage 1 or 2 hypertension and the metabolic syndrome were enrolled in an open-label safety and efficacy study. The primary efficacy end point was blood pressure reduction; secondary end points included insulin-dependent glucose disposal and endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery and intima-media diameter of the carotid artery. Chronic oral nitrite therapy (40 mg/3× daily) was well tolerated. Oral nitrite significantly lowered systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, but tolerance was observed after 10 to 12 weeks of therapy. There was significant improvement in the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery and trends toward improvements in flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery and insulin sensitivity. Chronic oral nitrite therapy is safe in patients with hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. Despite an apparent lack of enzymatic tolerance to nitrite, we observed tolerance after 10 weeks of chronic therapy, which requires additional mechanistic studies and possible therapeutic dose titration in clinical trials. Nitrite may be a safe therapy to concominantly improve multiple features of the metabolic syndrome including hypertension, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01681810.

Oxygen and nitrite reduction by heme-deficient sulphite oxidase in a patient with mild sulphite oxidase deficiency

Isolated sulphite oxidase deficiency (iSOD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error in metabolism characterised by accumulation of sulphite, which leads to death in early infancy. Sulphite oxidase (SO) is encoded by the SUOX gene and forms a heme- and molybdenum-cofactor-dependent enzyme localised in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Within SO, both cofactors are embedded in two separated domains, which are linked via a flexible 11 residue tether. The two-electron oxidation of sulphite to sulphate occurs at the molybdenum active site. From there, electrons are transferred via two intramolecular electron transfer steps (IETs) via the heme cofactor and to the physiologic electron acceptor cytochrome c. Previously, we reported nitrite and oxygen to serve as alternative electron acceptors at the Moco active site, thereby overcoming IET within SO. Here, we present evidence for these reactions to occur in an iSOD patient with an unusual mild disease representation. In the patient, a homozygous c.427C>A mutation within the SUOX gene leads to replacement of the highly conserved His143 to Asn. The affected His143 is one of two heme-iron-coordinating residues within SO. We demonstrate, that the H143N SO variant fails to bind heme in vivo leading to the elimination of SO-dependent cytochrome c reduction in mitochondria. We show, that sulphite oxidation at the Moco domain is unaffected in His143Asn SO variant and demonstrate that nitrite and oxygen are able to serve as electron acceptors for sulphite-derived electrons in cellulo. As result, the patient H143N SO variant retains residual sulphite oxidising activity thus ameliorating iSOD progression.

Functional mononuclear molybdenum enzymes: challenges and triumphs in molecular cloning, expression, and isolation

Mononuclear molybdenum enzymes catalyze a variety of reactions that are essential in the cycling of nitrogen, carbon, arsenic, and sulfur. For decades, the structure and function of these crucial enzymes have been investigated to develop a fundamental knowledge for this vast family of enzymes and the chemistries they carry out. Therefore, obtaining abundant quantities of active enzyme is necessary for exploring this family's biochemical capability. This mini-review summarizes the methods for overexpressing mononuclear molybdenum enzymes in the context of the challenges encountered in the process. Effective methods for molybdenum cofactor synthesis and incorporation, optimization of expression conditions, improving isolation of active vs. inactive enzyme, incorporation of additional prosthetic groups, and inclusion of redox enzyme maturation protein chaperones are discussed in relation to the current molybdenum enzyme literature. This article summarizes the heterologous and homologous expression studies providing underlying patterns and potential future directions.

Mechanisms of the protective effects of nitrate and nitrite in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

Within the body, NO is produced by nitric oxide synthases via converting _l-arginine to citrulline. Additionally, NO is also produced via the NOS-independent nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Unlike the classical pathway, the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway is oxygen independent and viewed as a back-up function to ensure NO generation during ischaemia/hypoxia. Dietary nitrate and nitrite have emerged as substrates for endogenous NO generation and other bioactive nitrogen oxides with promising protective effects on cardiovascular and metabolic function. In brief, inorganic nitrate and nitrite can decrease blood pressure, protect against ischaemia-reperfusion injury, enhance endothelial function, inhibit platelet aggregation, modulate mitochondrial function and improve features of the metabolic syndrome. However, many questions regarding the specific mechanisms of these protective effects on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases remain unclear. In this review, we focus on nitrate/nitrite bioactivation, as well as the potential mechanisms for nitrate/nitrite-mediated effects on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Understanding how dietary nitrate and nitrite induce beneficial effect on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases could open up novel therapeutic opportunities in clinical practice.

Carbonic anhydrase II does not regulate nitrite-dependent nitric oxide formation and vasodilation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although it has been reported that bovine carbonic anhydrase CAII is capable of generating NO from nitrite, the function and mechanism of CAII in nitrite-dependent NO formation and vascular responses remain controversial. We tested the hypothesis that CAII catalyses NO formation from nitrite and contributes to nitrite-dependent inhibition of platelet activation and vasodilation.

EXPERIMENT APPROACH

The role of CAII in enzymatic NO generation was investigated by measuring NO formation from the reaction of isolated human and bovine CAII with nitrite using NO photolysis-chemiluminescence. A CAII-deficient mouse model was used to determine the role of CAII in red blood cell mediated nitrite reduction and vasodilation.

KEY RESULTS

We found that the commercially available purified bovine CAII exhibited limited and non-enzymatic NO-generating reactivity in the presence of nitrite with or without addition of the CA inhibitor dorzolamide; the NO formation was eliminated with purification of the enzyme. There was no significant detectable NO production from the reaction of nitrite with recombinant human CAII. Using a CAII-deficient mouse model, there were no measurable changes in nitrite-dependent vasodilation in isolated aorta rings and in vivo in CAII^-/- , CAII^+/- , and wild-type mice. Moreover, deletion of the CAII gene in mice did not block nitrite reduction by red blood cells and the nitrite-NO-dependent inhibition of platelet activation.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

These studies suggest that human, bovine and mouse CAII are not responsible for nitrite-dependent NO formation in red blood cells, aorta, or the systemic circulation.

Nitric oxide and its derivatives in the cancer battlefield

Elevated levels of reactive nitrogen species, alteration in redox balance and deregulated redox signaling are common hallmarks of cancer progression and chemoresistance. However, depending on the cellular context, distinct reactive nitrogen species are also hypothesized to mediate cytotoxic activity and are thus used in anticancer therapies. We present here the dual face of nitric oxide and its derivatives in cancer biology. Main derivatives of nitric oxide, such as nitrogen dioxide and peroxynitrite cause cell death by inducing protein and lipid peroxidation and/or DNA damage. Moreover, they control the activity of important protein players within the pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Thus, the control of intracellular reactive nitrogen species may become a sophisticated tool in anticancer strategies.

The catalytic mechanism for NO production by the mitochondrial enzyme, sulfite oxidase

Recently, Guenter Schwarz and colleagues published an elegant study in the Biochemical Journal (2019) 476, 1805–1815 which combines kinetic and spectroscopic studies with protein engineering to provide a mechanism for sulfite oxidase (SO)-catalyzed nitrite reduction that yields nitric oxide (NO). This work is noteworthy as it demonstrates that (i) for NO generation, both sulfite and nitrite must bind to the same molybdenum (Mo) center; (ii) upon sulfite reduction, Mo is reduced from +6 (MoVI) to +4 (MoIV) and MoIV reduces nitrite to NO yielding MoV; (iii) the heme moiety, linked to the Mo-center by an 11 amino acid residue tether, gets reduced by intramolecular electron transfer (IET) resulting in MoV being oxidized to MoVI; (iv) the reduced heme transfers its electron to a second nitrite molecule converting it to NO; (v) the authors demonstrate steady-state NO production in the presence of the natural electron acceptor cytochrome c; (vi) Finally, the authors use protein engineering to shorten the heme tether to reduce the heme-Mo-center distance with the aim of increasing NO production. Consequently, the rate of IET to cytochrome c is decreased but the enzymatic turnover rate for NO production is increased by ∼10-fold. This paper is unique as it provides strong evidence for a novel mechanism for steady-state NO production for human mitochondrial SO and serves as a potential template for studying NO production mechanisms in other enzymes by integrating the information gained from enzyme kinetics with EPR and UV/vis spectroscopy and protein engineering.

Mechanism of nitrite-dependent NO synthesis by human sulfite oxidase

In addition to nitric oxide (NO) synthases, molybdenum-dependent enzymes have been reported to reduce nitrite to produce NO. Here, we report the stoichiometric reduction in nitrite to NO by human sulfite oxidase (SO), a mitochondrial intermembrane space enzyme primarily involved in cysteine catabolism. Kinetic and spectroscopic studies provide evidence for direct nitrite coordination at the molybdenum center followed by an inner shell electron transfer mechanism. In the presence of the physiological electron acceptor cytochrome c, we were able to close the catalytic cycle of sulfite-dependent nitrite reduction thus leading to steady-state NO synthesis, a finding that strongly supports a physiological relevance of SO-dependent NO formation. By engineering SO variants with reduced intramolecular electron transfer rate, we were able to increase NO generation efficacy by one order of magnitude, providing a mechanistic tool to tune NO synthesis by SO.

Impaired mitochondrial maturation of sulfite oxidase in a patient with severe sulfite oxidase deficiency

Sulfite oxidase (SO) is encoded by the nuclear SUOX gene and catalyzes the final step in cysteine catabolism thereby oxidizing sulfite to sulfate. Oxidation of sulfite is dependent on two cofactors within SO, a heme and the molybdenum cofactor (Moco), the latter forming the catalytic site of sulfite oxidation. SO localizes to the intermembrane space of mitochondria where both—pre-SO processing and cofactor insertion—are essential steps during SO maturation. Isolated SO deficiency (iSOD) is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the SUOX gene that lead to non-functional SO. ISOD is characterized by rapidly progressive neurodegeneration and death in early infancy. We diagnosed an iSOD patient with homozygous mutation of SUOX at c.1084G>A replacing Gly362 to serine. To understand the mechanism of disease, we expressed patient-derived G362S SO in Escherichia coli and surprisingly found full catalytic activity, while in patient fibroblasts no SO activity was detected, suggesting differences between bacterial and human expression. Moco reconstitution of apo-G362S SO was found to be approximately 90-fold reduced in comparison to apo-WT SO in vitro. In line, levels of SO-bound Moco in cells overexpressing G362S SO were significantly reduced compared to cells expressing WT SO providing evidence for compromised maturation of G362S SO in cellulo. Addition of molybdate to culture medium partially rescued impaired Moco binding of G362S SO and restored SO activity in patient fibroblasts. Thus, this study demonstrates the importance of the orchestrated maturation of SO and provides a first case of Moco-responsive iSOD.

Role of Nitrate Reductase in NO Production in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes

Nitric oxide is a gaseous secondary messenger that is critical for proper cell signaling and plant survival when exposed to stress. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in plants, under standard phototrophic oxygenic conditions, has long been a very controversial issue. A few algal strains contain NO synthase (NOS), which appears to be absent in all other algae and land plants. The experimental data have led to the hypothesis that molybdoenzyme nitrate reductase (NR) is the main enzyme responsible for NO production in most plants. Recently, NR was found to be a necessary partner in a dual system that also includes another molybdoenzyme, which was renamed NO-forming nitrite reductase (NOFNiR). This enzyme produces NO independently of the molybdenum center of NR and depends on the NR electron transport chain from NAD(P)H to heme. Under the circumstances in which NR is not present or active, the existence of another NO-forming system that is similar to the NOS system would account for NO production and NO effects. PII protein, which senses and integrates the signals of the C–N balance in the cell, likely has an important role in organizing cell responses. Here, we critically analyze these topics.

Sources of Vascular Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species and Their Regulation

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small free radical with critical signaling roles in physiology and pathophysiology. The generation of sufficient NO levels to regulate the resistance of the blood vessels and hence the maintenance of adequate blood flow is critical to the healthy performance of the vasculature. A novel paradigm indicates that classical NO synthesis by dedicated NO synthases is supplemented by nitrite reduction pathways under hypoxia. At the same time, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which include superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, are produced in the vascular system for signaling purposes, as effectors of the immune response, or as byproducts of cellular metabolism. NO and ROS can be generated by distinct enzymes or by the same enzyme through alternate reduction and oxidation processes. The latter oxidoreductase systems include NO synthases, molybdopterin enzymes, and hemoglobins, which can form superoxide by reduction of molecular oxygen or NO by reduction of inorganic nitrite. Enzymatic uncoupling, changes in oxygen tension, and the concentration of coenzymes and reductants can modulate the NO/ROS production from these oxidoreductases and determine the redox balance in health and disease. The dysregulation of the mechanisms involved in the generation of NO and ROS is an important cause of cardiovascular disease and target for therapy. In this review we will present the biology of NO and ROS in the cardiovascular system, with special emphasis on their routes of formation and regulation, as well as the therapeutic challenges and opportunities for the management of NO and ROS in cardiovascular disease.

Homeostatic impact of sulfite and hydrogen sulfide on cysteine catabolism

Cysteine is one of the two key sulfur-containing amino acids with important functions in redox homeostasis, protein functionality and metabolism. Cysteine is taken up by mammals via their diet and can also be derived from methionine via the transsulfuration pathway. The cellular concentration of cysteine is kept within a narrow range by controlling its synthesis and degradation. There are two pathways for the catabolism of cysteine leading to sulfate, taurine and thiosulfate as terminal products. The oxidative pathway produces taurine and sulfate, while the H2 S pathway involves different enzymatic reactions leading to the formation and clearance of H2 S, an important signalling molecule in mammals, resulting in thiosulfate and sulfate. Sulfite is a common intermediate in both catabolic pathways. Sulfite is considered as cytotoxic and produces neurotoxic S-sulfonates. As a result, a deficiency in the terminal steps of cysteine or H2 S catabolism leads to severe forms of encephalopathy with the accumulation of sulfite and H2 S in the body. This review links the homeostatic regulation of both cysteine catabolic pathways to sulfite and H2 S. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc.

Nitrite and nitrate chemical biology and signalling

Inorganic nitrate (NO3 - ), nitrite (NO2 - ) and NO are nitrogenous species with a diverse and interconnected chemical biology. The formation of NO from nitrate and nitrite via a reductive 'nitrate-nitrite-NO' pathway and resulting in vasodilation is now an established complementary route to traditional NOS-derived vasodilation. Nitrate, found in our diet and abundant in mammalian tissues and circulation, is activated via reduction to nitrite predominantly by our commensal oral microbiome. The subsequent in vivo reduction of nitrite, a stable vascular reserve of NO, is facilitated by a number of haem-containing and molybdenum-cofactor proteins. NO generation from nitrite is enhanced during physiological and pathological hypoxia and in disease states involving ischaemia-reperfusion injury. As such, modulation of these NO vascular repositories via exogenously supplied nitrite and nitrate has been evaluated as a therapeutic approach in a number of diseases. Ultimately, the chemical biology of nitrate and nitrite is governed by local concentrations, reaction equilibrium constants, and the generation of transient intermediates, with kinetic rate constants modulated at differing physiological pH values and oxygen tensions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Nitric Oxide 20 Years from the 1998 Nobel Prize. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.2/issuetoc.

Erythrocytic bioactivation of nitrite and its potentiation by far-red light

BACKGROUND

Nitrite is reduced by heme-proteins and molybdenum-containing enzymes to form the important signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO), mediating NO signaling. Substantial evidence suggests that deoxygenated hemoglobin within red blood cells (RBCs) is the main erythrocytic protein responsible for mediating nitrite-dependent NO signaling. In other work, infrared and far red light have been shown to have therapeutic potential that some attribute to production of NO. Here we explore whether a combination of nitrite and far red light treatment has an additive effect in NO-dependent processes, and whether this effect is mediated by RBCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using photoacoustic imaging in a rat model as a function of varying inspired oxygen, we found that far red light (660 nm, five min. exposure) and nitrite feeding (three weeks in drinking water at 100 mg/L) each separately increased tissue oxygenation and vessel diameter, and the combined treatment was additive. We also employed inhibition of human platelet activation measured by flow cytometry to assess RBC-dependent nitrite bioactivation and found that far red light dramatically potentiates platelet inhibition by nitrite. Blocking RBC-surface thiols abrogated these effects of nitrite and far-red light. RBC-dependent production of NO was also shown to be enhanced by far red light using a chemiluminescence-based nitric oxide analyzer. In addition, RBC-dependent bioactivation of nitrite led to prolonged lag times for clotting in platelet poor plasma that was enhanced by exposure to far red light.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that nitrite leads to the formation of a photolabile RBC surface thiol-bound species such as an S-nitrosothiol or heme-nitrosyl (NO-bound heme) for which far red light enhances NO signaling. These findings expand our understanding of RBC-mediated NO production from nitrite. This pathway of NO production may have therapeutic potential in several applications including thrombosis, and, thus, warrants further study.

Putting xanthine oxidoreductase and aldehyde oxidase on the NO metabolism map: Nitrite reduction by molybdoenzymes

Nitric oxide radical (NO) is a signaling molecule involved in several physiological and pathological processes and a new nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway has emerged as a physiological alternative to the "classic" pathway of NO formation from L-arginine. Since the late 1990s, it has become clear that nitrite can be reduced back to NO under hypoxic/anoxic conditions and exert a significant cytoprotective action in vivo under challenging conditions. To reduce nitrite to NO, mammalian cells can use different metalloproteins that are present in cells to perform other functions, including several heme proteins and molybdoenzymes, comprising what we denominated as the "non-dedicated nitrite reductases". Herein, we will review the current knowledge on two of those "non-dedicated nitrite reductases", the molybdoenzymes xanthine oxidoreductase and aldehyde oxidase, discussing the in vitro and in vivo studies to provide the current picture of the role of these enzymes on the NO metabolism in humans.

A Computational Method for Classifying Different Human Tissues with Quantitatively Tissue-Specific Expressed Genes

Tissue-specific gene expression has long been recognized as a crucial key for understanding tissue development and function. Efforts have been made in the past decade to identify tissue-specific expression profiles, such as the Human Proteome Atlas and FANTOM5. However, these studies mainly focused on "qualitatively tissue-specific expressed genes" which are highly enriched in one or a group of tissues but paid less attention to "quantitatively tissue-specific expressed genes", which are expressed in all or most tissues but with differential expression levels. In this study, we applied machine learning algorithms to build a computational method for identifying "quantitatively tissue-specific expressed genes" capable of distinguishing 25 human tissues from their expression patterns. Our results uncovered the expression of 432 genes as optimal features for tissue classification, which were obtained with a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of more than 0.99 yielded by a support vector machine (SVM). This constructed model was superior to the SVM model using tissue enriched genes and yielded MCC of 0.985 on an independent test dataset, indicating its good generalization ability. These 432 genes were proven to be widely expressed in multiple tissues and a literature review of the top 23 genes found that most of them support their discriminating powers. As a complement to previous studies, our discovery of these quantitatively tissue-specific genes provides insights into the detailed understanding of tissue development and function.

Nitric oxide production in plants: an update

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in plant physiology. However, its production in photosynthetic organisms remains partially unresolved. The best characterized NO production route involves the reduction of nitrite to NO via different non-enzymatic or enzymatic mechanisms. Nitrate reductases (NRs), the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and the new complex between NR and NOFNiR (nitric oxide-forming nitrite reductase) described in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are the main enzymatic systems that perform this reductive NO production in plants. Apart from this reductive route, several reports acknowledge the possible existence of an oxidative NO production in an arginine-dependent pathway, similar to the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity present in animals. However, no NOS homologs have been found in the genome of embryophytes and, despite an increasing amount of evidence attesting to the existence of NOS-like activity in plants, the involved proteins remain to be identified. Here we review NO production in plants with emphasis on the presentation and discussion of recent data obtained in this field.

A Brief Overview of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased vasoconstriction and smooth muscle cell hyperplasia driving pathological vascular remodeling of arterial vessels. In this short review, we discuss the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) relevant to PH and the mechanism by which dysregulation of their production contributes to PH. Specifically, hypoxia-induced PH is associated with diminished endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO production and increased production of superoxide (O₂^•-) through eNOS uncoupling and defective mitochondrial respiration. This drives the inhibition of the NO/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pathway and activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) with consequential dysregulation of the pulmonary vasculature. Therapeutics aimed at increasing NO or cGMP bioavailabilities are amenable to hypoxia disease-induced PH. Similarly, strategies targeting HIF-1α are now considered. Overall, pulmonary hypertension including hypoxia-induced PH offers unique opportunities for the rational development of therapeutics centered on modulating redox signaling.

Distinct properties underlie flavin-based electron bifurcation in a novel electron transfer flavoprotein FixAB from Rhodopseudomonas palustris

A newly recognized third fundamental mechanism of energy conservation in biology, electron bifurcation, uses free energy from exergonic redox reactions to drive endergonic redox reactions. Flavin-based electron bifurcation furnishes low-potential electrons to demanding chemical reactions, such as reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. We employed the heterodimeric flavoenzyme FixAB from the diazotrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris to elucidate unique properties that underpin flavin-based electron bifurcation. FixAB is distinguished from canonical electron transfer flavoproteins (ETFs) by a second FAD that replaces the AMP of canonical ETF. We exploited near-UV-visible CD spectroscopy to resolve signals from the different flavin sites in FixAB and to interrogate the putative bifurcating FAD. CD aided in assigning the measured reduction midpoint potentials (E° values) to individual flavins, and the E° values tested the accepted model regarding the redox properties required for bifurcation. We found that the higher-E° flavin displays sequential one-electron (1-e^-) reductions to anionic semiquinone and then to hydroquinone, consistent with the reactivity seen in canonical ETFs. In contrast, the lower-E° flavin displayed a single two-electron (2-e^-) reduction without detectable accumulation of semiquinone, consistent with unstable semiquinone states, as required for bifurcation. This is the first demonstration that a FixAB protein possesses the thermodynamic prerequisites for bifurcating activity, and the separation of distinct optical signatures for the two flavins lays a foundation for mechanistic studies to learn how electron flow can be directed in a protein environment. We propose that a novel optical signal observed at long wavelength may reflect electron delocalization between the two flavins.

Nitrate Reductase Regulates Plant Nitric Oxide Homeostasis

Nitrate reductase (NR) is a key enzyme for nitrogen acquisition by plants, algae, yeasts, and fungi. Nitrate, its main substrate, is required for signaling and is widely distributed in diverse tissues in plants. In addition, NR has been proposed as an important enzymatic source of nitric oxide (NO). Recently, NR has been shown to play a role in NO homeostasis by supplying electrons from NAD(P)H through its diaphorase/dehydrogenase domain both to a truncated hemoglobin THB1, which scavenges NO by its dioxygenase activity, and to the molybdoenzyme NO-forming nitrite reductase (NOFNiR) that is responsible for NO synthesis from nitrite. We review how NR may play a central role in plant biology by controlling the amounts of NO, a key signaling molecule in plant cells.

A dual system formed by the ARC and NR molybdoenzymes mediates nitrite-dependent NO production in Chlamydomonas

Nitric oxide (NO) is a relevant signal molecule involved in many plant processes. However, the mechanisms and proteins responsible for its synthesis are scarcely known. In most photosynthetic organisms NO synthases have not been identified, and Nitrate Reductase (NR) has been proposed as the main enzymatic NO source, a process that in vitro is also catalysed by other molybdoenzymes. By studying transcriptional regulation, enzyme approaches, activity assays with in vitro purified proteins and in vivo and in vitro NO determinations, we have addressed the role of NR and Amidoxime Reducing Component (ARC) in the NO synthesis process. N\R and ARC were intimately related both at transcriptional and activity level. Thus, arc mutants showed high NIA1 (NR gene) expression and NR activity. Conversely, mutants without active NR displayed an increased ARC expression in nitrite medium. Our results with nia1 and arc mutants and with purified enzymes support that ARC catalyses the NO production from nitrite taking electrons from NR and not from Cytb5-1/Cytb5-Reductase, the component partners previously described for ARC (proposed as NOFNiR, Nitric Oxide-Forming Nitrite Reductase). This NR-ARC dual system would be able to produce NO in the presence of nitrate, condition under which NR is unable to do it.

Molybdenum-containing nitrite reductases: Spectroscopic characterization and redox mechanism

OBJECTIVES

This review summarizes the spectroscopic results, which will provide useful suggestions for future research. In addition, the fields that urgently need more information are also advised.

BACKGROUND

Nitrite-NO-cGMP has been considered as an important signaling pathway of NO in human cells. To date, all the four known human molybdenum-containing enzymes, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component, have been shown to function as nitrite reductases under hypoxia by biochemical, cellular, or animal studies. Various spectroscopic techniques have been applied to investigate the structure and catalytic mechanism of these enzymes for more than 20 years.

METHODS

We summarize the published data on the applications of UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography in studying nitrite reductase activity of the four human molybdenum-containing enzymes.

RESULTS

UV-vis has provided useful information on the redox active centers of these enzymes. The utilization of EPR spectroscopy has been critical in determining the coordination and redox status of the Mo center during catalysis. Despite the lack of substrate-bound crystal structures of these nitrite reductases, valuable structural information has been obtained by X-ray crystallography.

CONCLUSIONS

To fully understand the catalytic mechanisms of these physiologically/pathologically important nitrite reductases, structural studies on substrate-redox center interaction are needed.

Increased consumption and vasodilatory effect of nitrite during exercise

This study investigated the effects of aerobic-to-anaerobic exercise on nitrite stores in the human circulation and evaluated the effects of systemic nitrite infusion on aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity and hemodynamics. Six healthy volunteers were randomized to receive sodium nitrite or saline for 70 min in two separate occasions in an exercise study. Subjects cycled on an upright electronically braked cycle ergometer 30 min into the infusion according to a ramp protocol designed to attain exhaustion in 10 min. They were allowed to recover for 30 min thereafter. The changes of whole blood nitrite concentrations over the 70-min study period were analyzed by pharmacokinetic modeling. Longitudinal measurements of hemodynamic and clinical variables were analyzed by fitting nonparametric regression spline models. During exercise, nitrite consumption/elimination rate was increased by ∼137%. Cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were increased, but smaller elevation of MAP and larger increases of CO and PAP were found during nitrite infusion compared with placebo control. The higher CO and lower MAP during nitrite infusion were likely attributed to vasodilation and a trend toward decrease in systemic vascular resistance. In contrast, there were no significant changes in mean pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance. These findings, together with the increased consumption of nitrite and production of iron-nitrosyl-hemoglobin during exercise, support the notion of nitrite conversion to release NO resulting in systemic vasodilatation. However, at the dosing used in this protocol achieving micromolar plasma concentrations of nitrite, exercise capacity was not enhanced, as opposed to other reports using lower dosing.

Understanding nitrate assimilation and its regulation in microalgae

Nitrate assimilation is a key process for nitrogen (N) acquisition in green microalgae. Among Chlorophyte algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has resulted to be a good model system to unravel important facts of this process, and has provided important insights for agriculturally relevant plants. In this work, the recent findings on nitrate transport, nitrate reduction and the regulation of nitrate assimilation are presented in this and several other algae. Latest data have shown nitric oxide (NO) as an important signal molecule in the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of nitrate reductase and inorganic N transport. Participation of regulatory genes and proteins in positive and negative signaling of the pathway and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of nitrate assimilation, as well as those involved in Molybdenum cofactor synthesis required to nitrate assimilation, are critically reviewed.

Nitrite Confers Preconditioning and Cytoprotection After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through the Modulation of Mitochondrial Function

SIGNIFICANCE

Nitrite is now recognized as an intrinsic signaling molecule that mediates a number of biological processes. One of the most reproducible effects of nitrite is its ability to mediate cytoprotection after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). This robust phenomenon has been reproduced by a number of investigators in varying animal models focusing on different target organs. Furthermore, nitrite's cytoprotective versatility is highlighted by its ability to mediate delayed preconditioning and remote conditioning in addition to acute protection.

RECENT ADVANCES

In the last 10 years, significant progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms underlying nitrite-mediated ischemic tolerance.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The mitochondrion, which is essential to both the progression of I/R injury and the protection afforded by preconditioning, has emerged as a major subcellular target for nitrite. This review will outline the role of the mitochondrion in I/R injury and preconditioning, review the accumulated preclinical studies demonstrating nitrite-mediated cytoprotection, and finally focus on the known interactions of nitrite with mitochondria and their role in the mechanism of nitrite-mediated ischemic tolerance.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

These studies set the stage for current clinical trials testing the efficacy of nitrite to prevent warm and cold I/R injury.

A new paradigm for XOR-catalyzed reactive species generation in the endothelium

A plethora of vascular pathology is associated with inflammation, hypoxia and elevated rates of reactive species generation. A critical source of these reactive species is the purine catabolizing enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as numerous reports over the past 30 years have demonstrated XOR inhibition to be salutary. Despite this long standing association between increased vascular XOR activity and negative clinical outcomes, recent reports reveal a new paradigm whereby the enzymatic activity of XOR mediates beneficial outcomes by catalyzing the one electron reduction of nitrite (NO2(-)) to nitric oxide (NO) when NO2(-) and/or nitrate (NO3(-)) levels are enhanced either via dietary or pharmacologic means. These observations seemingly countervail numerous reports of improved outcomes in similar models upon XOR inhibition in the absence of NO2(-) treatment affirming the need for a more clear understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the product identity of XOR. To establish the micro-environmental conditions requisite for in vivo XOR-catalyzed oxidant and NO production, this review assesses the impact of pH, O2 tension, enzyme-endothelial interactions, substrate concentrations and catalytic differences between xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH). As such, it reveals critical information necessary to distinguish if pursuit of NO2(-) supplementation will afford greater benefit than inhibition strategies and thus enhance the efficacy of current approaches to treat vascular pathology.