A sleigh ride through the SNO: regulation of plant immune function by protein S-nitrosylation

S-nitrosylation, the covalent attachment of a nitric oxide (NO) moiety to a protein cysteine thiol to form an S-nitrosothiol (SNO) is rapidly emerging as a prototypic, redox-based post-translational modification during plant immune function. Here we review recently identified targets for S-nitrosylation and the consequences of these modifications in relation to the control of plant disease resistance.

► Plant immunity is regulated by protein S-nitrosylation.
► NO biosynthesis during the plant defence response remains controversial.
► S-nitrosothiols modulate cell death during the hypersensitive response.