Redox modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by glutaredoxin-1 through reversible oxidative post-translational modification

S-Glutathionylation is a redox-regulated modification that uncouples endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), switching its function from nitric oxide (NO) synthesis to ^•O₂^- generation, and serves to regulate vascular function. While in vitro or in vivo eNOS S-glutathionylation with modification of Cys689 and Cys908 of its reductase domain is triggered by high levels of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) or oxidative thiyl radical formation, it remains unclear how this process may be reversed. Glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1), a cytosolic and glutathione-dependent enzyme, can reverse protein S-glutathionylation; however, its role in regulating eNOS S-glutathionylation remains unknown. We demonstrate that Grx1 in the presence of glutathione (GSH) (1 mM) reverses GSSG-mediated eNOS S-glutathionylation with restoration of NO synthase activity. Because Grx1 also catalyzes protein S-glutathionylation with an increased [GSSG]/[GSH] ratio, we measured its effect on eNOS S-glutathionylation when the [GSSG]/[GSH] ratio was >0.2, which can occur in cells and tissues under oxidative stress, and observed an increased level of eNOS S-glutathionylation with a marked decrease in eNOS activity without uncoupling. This eNOS S-glutathionylation was reversed with a decrease in the [GSSG]/[GSH] ratio to