Protein nitration: A connecting bridge between nitric oxide (NO) and plant stress

Abstract

Nitric oxide (•NO) is a free radical which exerts a myriad of functions in the physiology of higher plants either under physiological and environmental stress conditions. NO, and derived molecules designated as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), can mediate posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins which can affect their functionality. Among these NO/RNS-derived PTMs, it can be highlighted S-nitrosation, metal nitrosylation and nitration. This last one involves the addition of a nitro group (-NO2) to some specific amino acids such as tyrosine or tryptophan. An increase in the content of protein nitration has been recognized as a suitable marker of nitro-oxidative stress which is frequently associated with oxidative stress under diverse environmental stress conditions. This mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of protein nitration and its significance in higher plants.

Keywords

• Nitric oxide
• Nitro-oxidative stress
• Tyrosine
• Nitration
• Reactive nitrogen species