Doctors have long treated heart attacks, improved asthma symptoms, and cured impotence by increasing levels of a single molecule in the body: nitric oxide.
The tiny molecule can change how proteins function. But new research featured in Molecular Cell suggests supplementing nitric oxide-NO-is only the first step. Researchers have discovered previously unknown enzymes in the body that convert NO into 'stopgap' molecules-SNOs-that then modulate proteins. The newly discovered enzymes help NO have diverse roles in cells. They may also be prime therapeutic targets to treat a range of diseases.
The discovery represents a paradigm shift for biologists in the field, says study lead Jonathan Stamler, MD, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and President, University Hospitals Harrington Discovery.
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