Zinc Finger Proteins as Molecular Targets for Nitric Oxide-Mediated Gene Regulation

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Abstract
A multiplicity of biological functions have been ascribed to nitric oxide (NO). It plays a significant role as a signal as well as a cytotoxic effector molecule. NO may, however, also play regulatory and/or modulatory roles in biology. A growing body of evidence suggests that posttranslational modifications of transcription factors serve a regulating role on gene transcription, particularly after changes of the redox state of the cell. Zinc fingers are the most prevalent transcription factor DNA-binding motif. As NO is able to S-nitrosate thiols of zinc-sulfur clusters leading to reversible disruption of zinc finger structures, this provides a molecular mechanism to regulate the transcription of genes. Current knowledge about effects of NO on the cellular zinc homeostasis and on the generegulating activity of zinc finger transcription factors is reviewed.