Nitric Oxide Is a Key Player in Mitochondrial Function

Nitric oxide plays an important role in ensuring mitochondria are functioning effectively.

Mitochondria, the site of oxidative energy metabolism in cells, are highly organized structures endowed with different enzymes and reactions localized in discrete membranes and aqueous compartments. Mitochondrial function is regulated in complex ways by several agonists and environmental conditions, through activation of specific transcription factors and signaling pathways.

A key player in this scenario is nitric oxide (NO). It plays a role in the way the body uses cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme that controls the way the cells use oxygen, and is therefore involved in the way cells respond to hypoxia (low oxygen).

Over the last two years, reports in the medical literature indicate that NO also has long-term effects on the mitochondria, complementing their oxygen sensing function. The effects of NO lead to biogenesis of functionally active mitochondria. Researchers believe that NO’s role in the biogenesis of mitochondria in addition to its involvement in the way the cells use oxygen, may explain why an imbalanced NO signaling pathway is often associated with the development of suboptimal metabolic health.

Reference:

Clementi E, Nisoli E. Nitric oxide and mitochondrial biogenesis: a key to long-term regulation of cellular metabolism. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2005 Oct;142(2):102-10.