Abstract: Redox-signaling biomolecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive sulfur species (RSS), intricately regulate vital biological processes. Despite their critical roles, the inherent instability and high reactivity pose significant challenges to unraveling their physiological functions. In this presentation, I will showcase chemical tools designed to investigate the biological functions and therapeutic potential of redox signaling molecules. First, I will introduce the development of bacteria-specific hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors that have assisted in revealing the pivotal role of H2S in antibiotic resistance. Next, I will discuss the development of natural product-inspired ROS generators aimed at overcoming antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The presentation will also delve into hydropersulfides (RSSH), a newly discovered class of reactive sulfur species with unclear physiological functions. I will detail the development of three classes of stable organic compounds capable of efficiently releasing RSSH under physiological conditions. Applications of these donor molecules will be highlighted, including how RSSH outperform other reactive sulfur species in reducing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and are highly effective in mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity—a severe and life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the talk will explore the discovery that RSSH inhibits lipid peroxidation and prevents ferroptosis. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential of these chemical tools in advancing our understanding of redox signaling molecules and their therapeutic implications.

Meeting ID: 980 2403 9689
Passcode: 381977