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The development of a biotin-guided and mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe for detecting SO2 precisely in cancer
Yunyan Zhang1, Xiuqi Kong1, Min Li1
1Institute of Fluorescent Probes for Biological Imaging, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, 250022, PR China.
Abstract:
Mitochondrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) is very closely associated with various activities of cancer cell. However, the specific physiological and pathological roles of mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells are still not well defined. Lacking a powerful molecular tool for detecting mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells precisely is an essential factor. So it is urgent to develop a specific method for monitoring mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells. Herein, we described a distinct cancer cell-specific fluorescent probe NS for detecting mitochondrial SO2 accurately in cancer cells. Biotin, possessing of high affinity for cancer cells, was decorated into probe to provide its cancer cell-targeting property. Moreover, the positive charge hemicyanine group was used to anchor mitochondria selectively. A series of spectral results from concentration titration, dynamics and selectivity experiments showed that NS had high sensitivity, fast response and high selectivity to SO2. These properties render NS ability for detecting SO2 in living cells. In biological imaging, the achievements in detecting exogenous and endogenous SO2 displayed the probe had favorable response to SO2 in living cells with well biocompatibility. Significantly, assisted by competitive experiments with excess biotin, NS demonstrated distinct cancer cell-targeting for detecting mitochondrial SO2. Furthermore, NS could locate mitochondria specially and detect mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells by co-localization. Moreover, NS can trace SO2 in zebrafish with long wavelength emission. Therefore, NS can achieve in tracing mitochondrial SO2 selectively in cancer cells. It would be a powerful tool for well defining the physiological and pathological roles of mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe, NS, for precise detection of mitochondrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) in cancer cells. This probe exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity, aiding in understanding SO2's role in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) is implicated in cancer cell activity, but its precise roles remain unclear.
- A lack of specific molecular tools hinders the accurate detection and study of mitochondrial SO2 in cancer.
- Developing targeted probes is crucial for elucidating SO2's physiological and pathological significance in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cancer cell-specific fluorescent probe for accurate detection of mitochondrial SO2.
- To investigate the targeting and sensing capabilities of the probe in vitro and in vivo.
- To provide a tool for defining the roles of mitochondrial SO2 in cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe (NS) incorporating biotin for cancer cell targeting and a hemicyanine group for mitochondrial localization.
- Spectroscopic analysis (concentration titration, dynamics, selectivity) to evaluate probe performance.
- Biological imaging in living cells and zebrafish to assess probe biocompatibility, responsiveness, and targeting specificity.
Main Results:
- The NS probe demonstrated high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent selectivity for SO2.
- NS successfully detected exogenous and endogenous SO2 in living cells with good biocompatibility.
- NS exhibited specific cancer cell targeting and mitochondrial localization, enabling selective detection of mitochondrial SO2.
Conclusions:
- The developed NS probe is a powerful tool for accurately monitoring mitochondrial SO2 in cancer cells.
- NS facilitates the investigation of SO2's physiological and pathological roles in cancer.
- The probe's ability to trace SO2 in vivo (zebrafish) highlights its potential for broader biological applications.
