Bioluminescent probe for detecting endogenous hypochlorite in living mice

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hypochlorite (ClO^-) is a biologically significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in physiological processes.
• Endogenous ClO^- acts as an antibacterial agent but excessive levels pose health risks.
• Detecting endogenous ClO^- in vivo using bioluminescence probes presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective, turn-on bioluminescent probe for hypochlorite detection.
• To enable in vitro detection and in vivo imaging of endogenous hypochlorite.
• To facilitate understanding of ClO^- roles in physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

• A caged strategy was employed to design the bioluminescent probe.
• The probe's selectivity for ClO^- was validated in vitro.
• In vivo imaging of endogenous ClO^- was performed in a mouse inflammation model.

Main Results:

• A novel turn-on bioluminescent probe (probe 1) was successfully developed.
• The probe demonstrated high selectivity for hypochlorite detection.
• Successful imaging of endogenous hypochlorite in a mouse inflammation model was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed probe offers a promising tool for detecting hypochlorite.
• This probe facilitates in vitro and in vivo imaging of endogenous hypochlorite.
• The probe can aid in elucidating the role of hypochlorite in various biological processes.