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A Mitochondria-Targeted Dye for Investigating Mo Mineral Powder Induced Cytotoxicity through SIM Super-Resolution
Lai Wang1, Zhiqi Su1, Daqing Ma2
1State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 15, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed new fluorescent probes to study how heavy metals like molybdenum affect mitochondria. This research clarifies cellular toxicity mechanisms and aids in understanding mining industry health risks.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Heavy metal toxicity poses significant risks to human health.
- The precise cellular mechanisms underlying heavy metal toxicity remain largely unknown.
- Mitochondria are critical cellular components affected by toxic substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probes (KRhs) for visualizing cellular changes.
- To investigate the impact of molybdenum (Mo) mineral powders on mitochondrial structure and environment.
- To elucidate the mechanism of heavy metal-induced cytotoxicity at the cellular level.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a series of mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probes (KRhs) by modifying NIR xanthene dyes.
- Utilizing Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) super-resolution imaging.
- Treating cells with various molybdenum mineral powders and observing mitochondrial responses.
Main Results:
- Optimized probe design (KRh-C16) for enhanced mitochondrial targeting and imaging signal-to-noise ratio.
- Observed distinct morphological changes in single mitochondria during molybdenum-induced autophagy using super-resolution microscopy.
- Detected the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a key factor in molybdenum-induced cellular damage.
Conclusions:
- The developed KRhs probes are effective tools for studying mitochondria-related cytotoxicity.
- This study provides high-resolution insights into the cellular toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals, specifically molybdenum.
- Findings contribute to understanding health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in industries like mining.
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