Photo-triggered NO release of nitrosyl complexes bearing first-row transition metals and therapeutic applications.

In biological systems, nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule that regulates a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Given the significance of NO, there has been considerable interest in delivering NO exogenously, particularly through light as a non-invasive therapeutic approach. However, due to the high reactivity and instability of NO under physiological conditions, directly delivering NO to targeted sites remains challenging.

Artificial Control of Cell Signaling Using a Photocleavable Cobalt(III)-Nitrosyl Complex.

Cells use gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) to transmit both intracellular and intercellular signals. In principle, the endogenous small molecules regulate physiological changes, but it is unclear how randomly diffusive molecules trigger and discriminate signaling programs. Herein, it is shown that gasotransmitters use time-dependent dynamics to discriminate the endogenous and exogenous inputs.