Nitrite and Nitric Oxide in Life

Dear Colleagues, 

In the process of biological evolution following oxygenic phototrophy, molecular oxygen has become the main electron acceptor during energy generation in the mitochondria of aerobic organisms on Earth. However, higher organisms have a backup system that uses nitrite as the electron acceptor for the generation of adenosine triphosphate and releases nitric oxide (NO). The release of NO dilates vessels and reduces mitochondrial oxygen consumption in ischemic tissues. There is evidence indicating that nitrite is the storage form of NO produced via canonical (NO synthase-mediated) and/or non-canonical (enterosalivary nitrate/nitrite NO) pathways and provides NO signaling under acidic, hypoxic, or physiological (e.g., gastric acidity and exercise) conditions in both cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent and -independent pathways. The local and systemic bioavailability of NO in the body may be closely involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurotransmission, gastrointestinal, and host defense systems. In this regard, this Topic allows authors from different research areas to unite around one theme “Nitrite and Nitric Oxide in Life”, describe multidisciplinary applications, and develop new ideas. These collaborations could lead to the elucidation of the role of NO and nitrite in physiology and pathology for health promotion and the development of disease treatment. Therefore, we cordially invite authors to contribute original research articles and reviews that focus on this topic.

Prof. Dr. Jun Kobayashi
Dr. Kazuo Ohtake
Dr. Kunihiro Sonoda
Topic Editors