Heme/copper assembly mediated nitrite and nitric oxide interconversion.

ABSTRACT: The heme(a3)/Cu(B) active site of cytochrome c oxidase is responsible for cellular nitrite reduction to nitric oxide; the same center can return NO to the nitrite pool via oxidative chemistry. Here, we show that a partially reduced heme/Cu assembly reduces NO(2)(-) ion, producing nitric oxide. The heme serves as the reductant, but the Cu(II) ion is also required. In turn, a ?-oxo heme-Fe(III)-O-Cu(II) complex facilitates NO oxidation to nitrite; the final products are the reduced heme and Cu(II)-nitrito complexes.

SUBMITTER: Hematian S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3507325 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature