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Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens for Cell Death Research
Yunfei Zuo1, Hanchen Shen1, Feiyi Sun1
1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cell death is closely related to various diseases, and monitoring and controlling cell death is a promising strategy to develop efficient therapy. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) are ideal candidates for developing novel theranostic agents because of their intriguing properties in the aggregate state. The rational application of AIE materials in cell death-related research is still in its infancy but has shown great clinical potential. This review discussed the research frontier and our understanding of AIE materials in various subroutines of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, immunogenic cell death, pyroptosis, autophagy, lysosome-dependent cell death, and ferroptosis. We hope that the new insights can be offered to this growing field and attract more researchers to provide valuable contributions.
Insights
Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) offer promising theranostic potential for monitoring and controlling cell death. This review explores AIE materials
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell death is intricately linked to numerous diseases, making its monitoring and control a key therapeutic strategy.
- Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) possess unique optical properties in aggregate states, making them suitable for theranostic applications.
- The use of AIE materials in studying cell death mechanisms is an emerging field with significant clinical promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research landscape and understanding of AIE materials in various cell death pathways.
- To highlight the potential of AIE materials as theranostic agents for cell death-related diseases.
- To provide new insights and encourage further research contributions in this rapidly advancing field.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of AIE materials applied to cell death research.
- Analysis of AIEgens' properties and their utility in monitoring diverse cell death subroutines.
- Discussion of the clinical potential and future directions for AIE-based theranostics.
Main Results:
- AIE materials demonstrate significant potential for visualizing and intervening in various cell death processes.
- The review covers AIE applications in apoptosis, necrosis, immunogenic cell death, pyroptosis, autophagy, lysosome-dependent cell death, and ferroptosis.
- AIEgens offer advantages in sensitivity and specificity for theranostic development compared to traditional agents.
Conclusions:
- AIE materials represent a powerful tool for advancing cell death research and developing novel theranostic strategies.
- Further exploration of AIE applications can lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for diseases associated with aberrant cell death.
- This review aims to stimulate further innovation and collaboration within the AIE and cell death research communities.
