INOR 611 |
| Iron (Fe) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are two small inorganic species playing critical roles in all kingdoms of life. They are both "double-edged swords": beneficial (i.e. iron as enzyme cofactors and H2O2 in cellular signaling) at low concentrations but extremely toxic at high concentrations. The chemical nature of this toxicity is largely due to their mutual interaction (Fenton reaction) to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (HO•, t1/2 ~ 1 ns) which can damage cellular components such as DNA, proteins and lipids. Imbalance in the homeostasis of these species may result in cell dysfunction and consequently causes various diseases including aging, neurodegenerative disorders, heart attack, cancer, diabetes, etc. Our research demonstrates that certain oxygen-based compounds can effectively chelate ferrous iron under physiological relevant conditions and subsequently attenuate the production of hydroxyl radicals from Fenton reaction. More over, we have synthesized a series of novel molecules which are capable of chelating iron via a H2O2-triggering mechanism and consequently inhibiting Fenton reaction. |
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Bioinorganic Chemistry
1:30 PM-5:30 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 304, Oral
Division of Inorganic Chemistry |