Understanding Hydrogen: Lessons to Be Learned from Physical Interactions between the Inert Gases and the Globin Superfamily

Hydrogen gas (molecular hydrogen, H2) has significant effects in a range of organisms, from plants to humans. Many inert gases have been reported similar effects, and such responses may be most pronounced when cells are stressed. Xenon (Xe), for example, is well-known anesthetic. The direct targets these gases, cases, remain elusive. Myoglobin hemoglobin known their roles the transport through coordinate interactions with metals (O2, NO, CO) covalent modifications thiols (NO, H2S) amines (CO2). These well exemplified biotrophic reactions NO heme iron (to form nitrosyl heme) cysteine bioactive S-nitrosothiols) essential tissue oxygenation. Here, we consider an alternative “third mode” what dubbed “Xenon pockets”, whereby functional effects. proteins cavities, possible include alterations allosteric properties (potentially altering protein hydration). it suggested that other H2 also biological by utilizing structures. This ought investigated further, species, determine if this mode action H2.