Defying Conventional Wisdom: Developing Carbon Monoxide as a Therapeutic Agent

Dr. Binghe Wang, Georgia State University

Host: Dr. Lai-Xi Wang

Abstract: Nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide are all toxic molecules,
and yet they belong to the gasotransmitter family of signaling molecules with importance
on par with that of neurotransmitters and hormone molecules. Studies have shown that
these endogenously produced molecules have a wide range of physiologic roles and
therapeutic potentials. Specific functions of these molecules are of course unique for each
of them. While the use of NO-producing molecules as therapeutics has long been
established, the exploration of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide as therapeutics is
still at its infancy at best. This presentation will discuss issues related to developing
carbon monoxide-based therapeutics as well as CO prodrugs developed in our lab.

Organic/Inorganic Seminar