4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) is a potent carcinogen and mutagen that is widely used in scientific research to study the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair. It is a synthetic compound that induces tumorigenesis in various animal models and is often used to mimic the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on DNA.

Chemical Properties

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide is an aromatic nitro compound with the chemical formula C₉H₆N₂O₃. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol.

Mechanism of Action

4NQO is metabolically activated in cells to form a reactive intermediate that binds to DNA, leading to the formation of DNA adducts. These adducts can cause DNA strand breaks, mutations, and chromosomal aberrations. The compound is known to preferentially form adducts at guanine bases, leading to G:C to T:A transversions, which are common mutations observed in UV-induced skin cancers.

Applications in Research

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide is extensively used in experimental models to study:

• The process of carcinogenesis and the role of specific genes in tumor development.
• The mechanisms of DNA repair pathways, such as nucleotide excision repair (NER).
• The effects of DNA damage on cellular processes like apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.

Health and Safety

Due to its carcinogenic properties, 4NQO must be handled with extreme caution in the laboratory. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection should be worn, and work should be conducted in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.

Also see

• Carcinogen
• Mutagen
• DNA repair
• Nucleotide excision repair
• Ultraviolet radiation