Competition of Reactive Signals and Thiol Modifications of Proteins

It is clear that cells are constantly bombarded by multiple signals, often initiating similar, or even conflicting, responses. Important players in this suite of signals are the reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur-based molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These compounds are often involved in stress responses and dysfunction of these signaling systems is often involved in disease [1-3]. This commentary discusses the interactions of such signals, which was discussed in a previous paper [3]. It was argued that all these molecules are not acting in the same manner, and that H2S was acting in a role which moderated the effects of ROS and NO.