Photoactive Molecules for Spatial and Temporal Release of the Biological Signalling Molecule Nitroxyl

This project is led from the Auckland University of Technology, with assistance from researchers at the University of Auckland and University of Otago. Nitroxyl (HNO) is a triatomic molecule that can regulate key biological processes, and is particularly exciting because two HNO-based therapeutics are showing considerable promise in clinical trials for the life-threatening condition of acute heart failure. Unfortunately, HNO is an unstable molecule, which prevents it from being synthesized and stored. Instead, compounds that are triggered to rapidly release HNO on site (HNO donors) are required. This project will develop, explore, and optimize photoactive HNO donors that release HNO on sub-second timescales. Particular focus will be on photocaged N-hydroxysulfonamides, and in elucidating the key factors that determine the amount of HNO generated when such molecules are illuminated.