Do nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide really qualify as ‘gasotransmitters’ in bacteria?

2018/09/06 by Lauren K. Wareham, Hannah M. Southam, Robert K. Poole · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Engineering · #Sulfur Compounds in Biology #Advanced Chemical Sensor Technologies #Amino Acid Enzymes and Metabolism

paper · pdf · doi:10.1042/bst20170311

openalex publication_date 2018/09/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15

Abstract

A gasotransmitter is defined as a small, generally reactive, gaseous molecule that, in solution, is generated endogenously in an organism and exerts important signalling roles. It is noteworthy that these molecules are also toxic and antimicrobial. We ask: is this definition of a gasotransmitter appropriate in the cases of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in microbes? Recent advances show that, not only do bacteria synthesise each of these gases, but the molecules also have important signalling or messenger roles in addition to their toxic effects. However, strict application of the criteria proposed for a gasotransmitter leads us to conclude that the term ‘small molecule signalling agent’, as proposed by Fukuto and others, is preferable terminology.

Citations

• Biological signaling by carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide-releasing molecules

Cited by

• Carbon monoxide [wikipedia]

Related

• Role of Carbon Monoxide in Host–Gut Microbiome Communication
• Research and application of gas therapy in preventing biofilm associated infections
• Legless pathogens: how bacterial physiology provides the key to understanding pathogenicity
• Physiology, biochemistry, and specific inhibitors of CH4, NH4+, and CO oxidation by methanotrophs and nitrifiers
• Physiological Implications of Hydrogen Sulfide: A Whiff Exploration That Blossomed