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Published on: February 7, 2018
Evaluating Real Time Intracellular Redox Toxicology Using Live-Cell Imaging Approaches
Edward R Pennington1, Emma Kinerson2, Syed Masood3
1Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Live-cell imaging offers a non-destructive method to study intracellular oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in real time. This approach utilizes fluorescent redox-sensitive probes for sensitive detection in redox toxicology.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intracellular oxidative stress, caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupts cellular redox homeostasis.
- This imbalance is linked to adverse effects from xenobiotics and environmental factors.
- Studying real-time oxidative cellular events presents analytical challenges due to the need for high spatiotemporal resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages of live-cell imaging for redox toxicology studies.
- To highlight the role of fluorescent redox-sensitive probes in observing oxidative stress.
- To discuss the utility and limitations of various sensor types.
Main Methods:
- Live-cell imaging as a non-destructive technique.
- Utilization of fluorescent redox-sensitive probes, including small molecule and genetically encoded sensors.
- Review of methodologies for detecting ROS and redox couples in real time.
Main Results:
- Live-cell imaging provides a suitable approach for non-destructive redox toxicology.
- Fluorescent probes are crucial for sensitive and specific detection of ROS and redox status.
- A range of small molecule and genetically encoded sensors are available for these studies.
Conclusions:
- Live-cell imaging is advantageous for real-time redox toxicology research.
- The choice and application of fluorescent probes are critical for accurate results.
- Understanding sensor limitations is essential for interpreting data in redox toxicology.
