Protein and peptide S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) are involved in guanylate cyclase-independent signaling associated with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation. As a general rule, SNO formation requires the presence of an electron acceptor such as Cu2+. Various proteins have been identified that catalyze SNO formation, including NOS itself, ceruloplasmin, and hemoglobin. Biochemical evidence suggests the existence of other SNO synthases and NOS-associated proteins involved in SNO formation following NOS activation. Indeed, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic consensus motifs have been identified that favor protein S-nitrosylation. Inorganic SNO formation appears also to occur in biological systems at low pH levels and/or in membranes. Once formed, SNOs localized to specific cellular compartments signal specific effects, ranging from gene regulation to ion channel gating. Indeed, the number of cellular and physiological functions appreciated to be regulated through SNO synthesis, localization, and catabolism is increasing. Although research into SNO biosynthesis is in its infancy, the importance of this field of biochemistry has been confirmed repeatedly by investigators from a broad spectrum of disciplines.