S-nitrosylation in the regulation of gene transcription

► S-nitrosylation (SNO) plays a crucial role in the control of gene transcription. ► SNO-regulated gene transcription evolved in bacteria as a means to detect NO stress. ► In eukaryotes, SNO primarily regulates transcription in the context of cell signaling. ► Nitrosylating and denitrosylating enzymes precisely regulate SNO-protein formation. ► Dysregulation of SNO-protein metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis.