An NADH-selective and sensitive fluorescence probe to evaluate living cell hypoxic stress

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cellular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cellular disease and senescence often involve oxygen supply imbalances.
• Hypoxia leads to reduced mitochondrial oxidation, causing accumulation of reducing equivalents and reduction stress.
• Monitoring intracellular NADH levels can assess cellular stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a highly selective and sensitive red fluorescent probe for detecting intracellular NADH.
• To evaluate the probe's ability to assess hypoxic stress in living cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel red fluorescent probe, DPMQL1.
• Testing probe selectivity and sensitivity against biological interferences (metal ions, anions, redox species, biomolecules).
• Assessing the probe's detection limit for intracellular NADH in living cells.

Main Results:

• DPMQL1 demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting NADH in living cells.
• The probe exhibited strong anti-interference capabilities against various biological molecules.
• DPMQL1 achieved a nanomolar detection limit, enabling the observation of subtle NADH level changes.

Conclusions:

• DPMQL1 is an effective tool for real-time monitoring of intracellular NADH levels.
• The probe facilitates the evaluation of cell-based hypoxic stress.
• DPMQL1 offers a promising method for assessing cellular stress in disease and senescence.