Regulation of gene expression by nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates transcription factors that bind specific cis-re gulatory DNA responsible for coordinating the spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression that are initiated by a changing microenvironment. In t his way NO helps to orchestrate gene transcription and forms the basis of f unctional cell responses to accommodate metabolic requirements and to coord inate endogenous defense mechanisms against a variety of stress and disease conditions. There is marked overlap between the signalling pathways trigge red by NO, superoxide, and hypoxia. Understanding the redox-based regulatio n of signal transduction and gene expression will provide insights into how cell activities are constantly coordinated and how promising new therapies may be developed.