Near-infrared colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for dual-channel imaging of mitochondria and cysteine in the oxidative stress model

Mitochondria, known as the cellular powerhouse, play a variety of fundamental roles in various physiological and pathological processes, whose oxidative damage is usually emerging as a crucial induction factor that not only induces apoptosis but may also contribute to epilepsy and some other related diseases. Therefore, it is of notable significance to construct a high-discrimination method for informing the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Employing Cys-triggered conjugate addition cyclization-elimination strategy, we rationally constructed a mitochondria-targeted colorimetric and ratiometric near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, named Mito-Pa, for Cys-triggered dual-channel fluorescence imaging of mitochondrial oxidative damage during apoptosis. Taking advantage of good membrane permeability and low cytotoxicity, probe Mito-Pa was successfully applied to visualize the mitochondria during apoptotic and the fluctuation of endogenous and exogenous Cys, or generated upon lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, in various living systems, including cancer cells, zebrafish, and mice. Thus, our proposed probe Mito-Pa would provide fresh insight for a better understanding of the ultimate relationship of Cys with mitochondrial oxidative damage, enabling easy access to accurately monitor the occurrence and progress of related diseases.

Automated summary

Mitochondria play important roles in cellular processes, and their oxidative damage is a crucial factor in apoptosis, epilepsy, and other diseases. Researchers have developed a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe, Mito-Pa, which enables imaging of mitochondrial oxidative damage and could contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.