Nitric Oxide(II) in Biology of Chlorophyta

NO is a gaseous signaling redox-active molecule that functions in various eukaryotes. However, its synthesis, turnover, and effects in cells are specific in plants in several aspects. Compared with higher plants, the role of NO in Chlorophyta has not been investigated enough. Yet, some of the mechanisms for controlling levels of this signaling molecule have been characterized in model green algae. In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, NO synthesis is carried out by a dual system comprising nitrate reductase and NO-forming nitrite reductase. Other mechanisms that might produce NO from nitrite are associated with components of mitochondrial electron-transport chain. In addition, NO formation in some green algae proceeds by oxidative mechanism similar to that in mammals. Recent discovery of L-arginine-dependent NO synthesis in colorless alga Polytomella parva suggests the existence of a protein complex with enzyme activity that are similar to animal nitric oxide synthase. This latter finding paves the way for further research into potential members of the NO synthases family in Chlorophyta. Beyond synthesis, the regulatory processes to maintain intracellular NO levels are also an integral part for its function in cells. Members of the truncated hemoglobins family with dioxygenase activity can convert NO to nitrate, as was shown for C. reinhardtii. In addition, the implication of NO reductases in NO scavenging has also been described. Even more intriguing, unlike in animals, the typical NO/cGMP signaling module appears not to be used by green algae. S-nitrosylated glutathione, which is considered the main reservoir for NO, provides NO signals to proteins. In Chlorophyta, protein S-nitrosation is one of the key mechanisms of action of the redox molecule. In this review, we discuss the current state-of-the-art and possible future directions related to the biology of NO in green algae.