S3QEL 2 is a selective inhibitor of superoxide production from the outer Q-binding site of mitochondrial respiratory complex site III (IIIQo) without altering oxidative phosphorylation. Site IIIQo is the primary source of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and has been implicated in a broad range of ROS-mediated signaling and pathology. S3QEL 2 lowered HIF-1α induction, protected against ROS-induced, JNK-mediated cell stress in pancreatic beta-cells, and decreased the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis that limits the yield of functional β-cells from intact islets.
S3QEL 2, a cell permeable substituted allopurinol, is also known as 1-(3,4-Dimethylphenyl)-N,N-dipropyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine.