Fluorescent probes for lighting up ferroptotic cell death: A review

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cellular demise, characterized by the accumulation of intracellular oxidative stress that is dependent on iron. Ferroptosis plays a crucial role not only in the development and treatment of tumors but also in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and illnesses related to ischemia-reperfusion injury. This mode of cell death possesses distinctive properties that differentiate it from other forms of cell death, including unique morphological changes at both the cellular and subcellular levels, as well as molecular features that can be detected using specific methods. The use of fluorescent probes has become an invaluable means of detecting ferroptosis, owing to their high sensitivity, real-time in situ monitoring capabilities, and minimal damage to biological samples. This review comprehensively elucidates the physiological mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, while also detailing the development of fluorescent probes capable of detecting ferroptosis-related active species across various cellular compartments, including organelles, the nucleus, and the cell membrane. Additionally, the review explores how the dynamic changes and location of active species from different cellular compartments can influence the ignition and execution of ferroptotic cell death. Finally, we discuss the future challenges and opportunities for imaging ferroptosis. We believe that this review will not only aid in the elucidation of ferroptosis's physiological mechanisms but also facilitate the identification of novel treatment targets and means of accurately diagnosing and treating ferroptosis-related diseases.