Significance: Cytoglobin (Cygb) was discovered as a new addition to the globin superfamily and subsequently identified to have potent nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenase function. Cygb plays a critical role in the oxygen-dependent regulation of NO levels and vascular tone. Recent Advances: In recent years, the mechanism of the Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation has been studied in isolated protein, smooth muscle cell, isolated blood vessel, and in vivo animal model systems. Studies in Cygb-/- mice have demonstrated that Cygb plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and vascular tone. This review summarizes advances in the knowledge of NO dioxygenation/metabolism regulated by Cygb. Advances in measurement of NO diffusion dynamics across blood vessels and kinetic modeling of Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation are summarized. The oxygen-dependent regulation of NO degradation by Cygb is also reviewed along with how Cygb paradoxically generates NO from nitrite under anaerobic conditions. The important role of Cygb in the regulation of vascular function and disease is reviewed. Critical Issues: Cygb is a more potent NO dioxygenase (NOD) than previously known globins with structural differences in heme coordination and environment, conferring it with a higher rate of reduction and more rapid process of NO dioxygenation with unique oxygen dependence. Various cellular reducing systems regenerate the catalytic oxyferrous Cygb species, supporting a high rate of NO dioxygenation. Future Directions: There remains a critical need to further characterize the factors and processes that modulate Cygb-mediated NOD function, and to develop pharmacological or other approaches to modulate Cygb function and expression.
Keywords: cytoglobin; free radicals; globins; nitric oxide dioxygenation; redox regulation; vascular reactivity.