An MMP-independent fluorescent probe for simultaneously detecting viscosity and hydrogen peroxide in tumor tissues of cancer patients
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Updated: May 28, 2026
In Vivo EPR Assessment of pH, pO2, Redox Status, and Concentrations of Phosphate and Glutathione in the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: March 16, 2018
Jun-Yi He1, Jie Niu2, Peihang Jing2
1Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
Elucidating the fundamental interrelation between hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/viscosity and mitochondria related diseases still is a major issue due to the lack of an excellent tool for long-term tracking of mitochondrial viscosity and hydrogen peroxide. Herein, we devised an MMP-independent probe, BKI, which could simultaneously detect fluctuations of viscosity and H2O2. BKI shows a good response to H2O2 with a low detection limit of 34 nM, mediated by the specific reaction between H2O2 and the borate ester moiety. Moreover, BKI can also monitor the viscosity fluctuations with green emission at 475 nm due to the rotation of its vinyl double bond. Notably, BKI not only localizes in mitochondria accurately but also firmly immobilizes in mitochondrial inner membrane through hydrophobic interactions between its long alkyl chains and lipids on the mitochondrial membrane, enabling long-term monitoring mitochondrial viscosity and H2O2. Using BKI, the viscosity changes induced by monensin or nystatin, as well as exogenous and endogenous H2O2 in living cell were successfully visualized. In particular, the unique probe can distinguish between normal tissues and tumor tissues of cancer patients by detecting viscosity and H2O2. These results imply that BKI can be served as a powerful tool for long-term visualizing mitochondrial viscosity and H2O2 in vitro and in vivo.
Insights
Researchers developed BKI, a novel probe for simultaneously tracking mitochondrial viscosity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) over time. This tool aids in understanding mitochondria-related diseases and distinguishing between normal and tumor tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Understanding the link between mitochondrial viscosity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and related diseases is crucial.
- Existing tools lack the capability for simultaneous, long-term monitoring of mitochondrial viscosity and H2O2 levels.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in various pathologies, necessitating advanced diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel probe for simultaneous, long-term detection of mitochondrial viscosity and H2O2.
- To investigate the potential of this probe in distinguishing between normal and cancerous tissues.
- To provide a tool for in vitro and in vivo studies of mitochondrial dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a mitochondria-targeting, MMP-independent probe (BKI).
- Characterization of BKI's response to H2O2 and viscosity changes via fluorescence emission.
- Validation of BKI's localization and long-term immobilization within the mitochondrial inner membrane.
- Application of BKI to visualize viscosity and H2O2 fluctuations in living cells and patient tissues.
Main Results:
- BKI successfully detects H2O2 with a low detection limit (34 nM) and monitors viscosity via green emission (475 nm).
- The probe exhibits accurate mitochondrial localization and stable immobilization, enabling long-term tracking.
- BKI visualized viscosity changes induced by monensin/nystatin and exogenous/endogenous H2O2 in living cells.
- The probe differentiated between normal and tumor tissues based on viscosity and H2O2 levels.
Conclusions:
- BKI is an effective, MMP-independent probe for simultaneous long-term monitoring of mitochondrial viscosity and H2O2.
- This probe serves as a powerful tool for studying mitochondrial dynamics in vitro and in vivo.
- BKI demonstrates potential as a diagnostic marker for cancer by analyzing tissue viscosity and H2O2 levels.
