Mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe for dual-channel imaging of ONOO− in living cells and zebrafish
摘要
Accurate diagnostics and therapeutic efficacy assessments necessitate a thorough understanding of mitochondrial peroxynitrite (ONOO−) levels. However, current fluorescent probes exhibit limitations in specificity, mitochondrial targeting capability, and resistance to interference from the tumor microenvironment, thereby impeding precise detection within complex disease models. Consequently, the creation of an innovative, mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for real-time, quantitative ONOO− monitoring in vivo is of critical importance. Herein, we developed a mitochondria-targeted ratiometric ONOO− fluorescent probe, Mito-QXB. Interaction with ONOO− induces a transformation of Mito-QXB to Mito-QX, characterized by a diminished fluorescence emission at 730 nm and a hypsochromic shift in both absorption and emission spectra, yielding fluorescence at 630 nm. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated low toxicity of Mito-QXB toward HepG2 cells and favorable biocompatibility. Subsequent investigations successfully employed this probe for visual detection of ONOO− in cancer cells and zebrafish. It is anticipated that Mito-QXB will provide a highly sensitive and selective tool for investigating mitochondrial ONOO− in living systems, establishing a technological platform for early identification of ONOO−-associated pathologies and the design of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Graphical Abstract