A Small Molecule for Controlled Generation of Peroxynitrite

Abstract

2-Methyl-3-[1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diol-2-ato-methyl]-naphthalene-1,4-dione 1 (HyPR-1), a small molecule containing a superoxide generator strategically linked to a diazeniumdiolate-based nitric oxide donor, is reported. Evidence for HyPR-1’s ability to generate peroxynitrite in the presence of an enzyme as well as enhance peroxynitrite within cells is provided. The utility of this tool in generating peroxynitrite for cellular studies is demonstrated.