A small molecule for theraNOstic targeting of cancer cells

Abstract

Thera/NO – a small molecule that is activated by hydrogen peroxide to generate nitric oxide (NO) and a fluorescence signal is reported. Using cancer and primary cells, we show that Thera/NO preferentially releases NO in cancer cells, which can trigger DNA damage and cell death in them. The coupled fluorescence signal facilitated tracking the NO release in living cells without collateral consumption of NO.