1
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Ye YX, Pan JC, Wang HC, Zhang XT, Zhu HL, Liu XH. Advances in small-molecule fluorescent probes for the study of apoptosis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:9133-9189. [PMID: 39129564 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00502c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis, as type I cell death, is an active death process strictly controlled by multiple genes, and plays a significant role in regulating various activities. Mounting research indicates that the unique modality of cell apoptosis is directly or indirectly related to different diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, viral diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. However, the underlying mechanisms of cell apoptosis are complicated and not fully clarified yet, possibly due to the lack of effective chemical tools for the nondestructive and real-time visualization of apoptosis in complex biological systems. In the past 15 years, various small-molecule fluorescent probes (SMFPs) for imaging apoptosis in vitro and in vivo have attracted broad interest in related disease diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we aim to highlight the recent developments of SMFPs based on enzyme activity, plasma membranes, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, microenvironments and others during cell apoptosis. In particular, we generalize the mechanisms commonly used to design SMFPs for studying apoptosis. In addition, we discuss the limitations of reported probes, and emphasize the potential challenges and prospects in the future. We believe that this review will provide a comprehensive summary and challenging direction for the development of SMFPs in apoptosis related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xi Ye
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, P. R. China.
| | - Jian-Cheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Hai-Chao Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, P. R. China.
| | - Xing-Tao Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, P. R. China.
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Xin-Hua Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, P. R. China.
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, P. R. China
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2
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Liu Q, Zhou H, Zhang W, Zhao C, Tao X, Tong C, Liu B. Visual monitoring of cisplatin-regulated caspase-3 activity in living cells based on a reduced graphene oxide-loaded fluorescent probe. Analyst 2024. [PMID: 39221458 DOI: 10.1039/d4an01059k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin (DDP) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug, which can regulate tumor cell apoptosis by up-regulating caspase-3 activity. Thus, monitoring caspase-3 activity in breast cancer cells can directly illustrate the efficiency of DDP treatment. In this study, by using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a quencher of a fluorescence labeled peptide, we developed an "off to on" method to monitor the effect of DDP on caspase-3 in breast cancer cells. In this method, the rGO quenched fluorescence with an ultra-high level of efficiency. Caspase-3 hydrolyzed the polypeptide probe, generating two segments of different lengths. The release of a short segment marked with fluorophores led to the recovery of the fluorescence signal (Ex/Em = 450/521 nm). Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of caspase-3 was 0.4-7 U mL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.33 U mL-1. The upregulating effect of DDP on intracellular caspase-3 activity was visualized with the "off to on" method and flow cytometry assay showed that caspase-3 activity increased along with the apoptosis rate of tumor cells. The above results show the practical application of the method for evaluating the efficacy of drugs against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Neurology Department of Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, 411199, China
| | - Chuan Zhao
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410205, China
| | - Xueqing Tao
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Chunyi Tong
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
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3
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Wynne C, Elmes RBP. Utilising a 1,8-naphthalimide probe for the ratiometric fluorescent visualisation of caspase-3. Front Chem 2024; 12:1418378. [PMID: 39036660 PMCID: PMC11257929 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1418378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of selective and sensitive probes for monitoring caspase-3 activity-a critical enzyme involved in apoptosis-remains an area of significant interest in biomedical research. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterisation of a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe, Ac-DEVD-PABC-Naph, designed to detect caspase-3 activity. The probe utilises a 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore covalently linked to a peptide sequence via a self-immolative p-aminobenzyl alcohol (PABA) linker. Upon enzymatic cleavage by caspase-3, the probe undergoes spontaneous degradation, releasing the free naphthalimide fluorophore, resulting in a ratiometric change in fluorescence emission. Spectroscopic studies revealed a time-dependent ratiometric fluorescent response, demonstrating the probe's ability to visualise caspase-3 activity with high sensitivity. Enzyme kinetics such as K m (Michaelis constant), k cat (turnover number), and LOD (Limit of Detection) were obtained, suggesting that the probe possesses comparable kinetic data to other probes in literature, but with the added benefits of ratiometric detection. Selectivity studies also demonstrated the probe's specificity for caspase-3 over other endogenous species and enzymes. Ac-DEVD-PABC-Naph may be a promising tool for the quantitative detection and fluorescent visualisation of caspase-3 activity in biological systems, with potential applications in apoptosis research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid-State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Ireland
| | - Robert B. P. Elmes
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid-State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
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4
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Zhra M, Qasem RJ, Aldossari F, Saleem R, Aljada A. A Comprehensive Exploration of Caspase Detection Methods: From Classical Approaches to Cutting-Edge Innovations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5460. [PMID: 38791499 PMCID: PMC11121653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of caspases is a crucial event and an indicator of programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. These enzymes play a central role in cancer biology and are considered one promising target for current and future advancements in therapeutic interventions. Traditional methods of measuring caspase activity such as antibody-based methods provide fundamental insights into their biological functions, and are considered essential tools in the fields of cell and cancer biology, pharmacology and toxicology, and drug discovery. However, traditional methods, though extensively used, are now recognized as having various shortcomings. In addition, these methods fall short of providing solutions to and matching the needs of the rapid and expansive progress achieved in studying caspases. For these reasons, there has been a continuous improvement in detection methods for caspases and the network of pathways involved in their activation and downstream signaling. Over the past decade, newer methods based on cutting-edge state-of-the-art technologies have been introduced to the biomedical community. These methods enable both the temporal and spatial monitoring of the activity of caspases and their downstream substrates, and with enhanced accuracy and precision. These include fluorescent-labeled inhibitors (FLIs) for live imaging, single-cell live imaging, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors, and activatable multifunctional probes for in vivo imaging. Recently, the recruitment of mass spectrometry (MS) techniques in the investigation of these enzymes expanded the repertoire of tools available for the identification and quantification of caspase substrates, cleavage products, and post-translational modifications in addition to unveiling the complex regulatory networks implicated. Collectively, these methods are enabling researchers to unravel much of the complex cellular processes involved in apoptosis, and are helping generate a clearer and comprehensive understanding of caspase-mediated proteolysis during apoptosis. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of various assays and detection methods as they have evolved over the years, so to encourage further exploration of these enzymes, which should have direct implications for the advancement of therapeutics for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Zhra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rani J. Qasem
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Fai Aldossari
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rimah Saleem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Aljada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Fu Q, Yang X, Wang M, Zhu K, Wang Y, Song J. Activatable Probes for Ratiometric Imaging of Endogenous Biomarkers In Vivo. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3916-3968. [PMID: 38258800 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic variations in the concentration and abnormal distribution of endogenous biomarkers are strongly associated with multiple physiological and pathological states. Therefore, it is crucial to design imaging systems capable of real-time detection of dynamic changes in biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases. Recently, ratiometric imaging has emerged as a widely used technique for sensing and imaging of biomarkers due to its advantage of circumventing the limitations inherent to conventional intensity-dependent signal readout methods while also providing built-in self-calibration for signal correction. Here, the recent progress of ratiometric probes and their applications in sensing and imaging of biomarkers are outlined. Ratiometric probes are classified according to their imaging mechanisms, and ratiometric photoacoustic imaging, ratiometric optical imaging including photoluminescence imaging and self-luminescence imaging, ratiometric magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-modal ratiometric imaging are discussed. The applications of ratiometric probes in the sensing and imaging of biomarkers such as pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), glutathione (GSH), gas molecules, enzymes, metal ions, and hypoxia are discussed in detail. Additionally, this Review presents an overview of challenges faced in this field along with future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinrui Fu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Mengzhen Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Kang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Jibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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6
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Zheng YW, Yu SY, Li Z, Xu YT, Zhao WW, Jiang D, Chen HY, Xu JJ. High-Precision Single-Cell microRNA Therapy by a Functional Nanopipette with Sensitive Photoelectrochemical Feedback. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2307067. [PMID: 37972263 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This work proposes the concept of single-cell microRNA (miR) therapy and proof-of-concept by engineering a nanopipette for high-precision miR-21-targeted therapy in a single HeLa cell with sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) feedback. Targeting the representative oncogenic miR-21, the as-functionalized nanopipette permits direct intracellular drug administration with precisely controllable dosages, and the corresponding therapeutic effects can be sensitively transduced by a PEC sensing interface that selectively responds to the indicator level of cytosolic caspase-3. The experimental results reveal that injection of ca. 4.4 × 10-20 mol miR-21 inhibitor, i.e., 26488 copies, can cause the obvious therapeutic action in the targeted cell. This work features a solution to obtain the accurate knowledge of how a certain miR-drug with specific dosages treats the cells and thus provides an insight into futuristic high-precision clinical miR therapy using personalized medicine, provided that the prerequisite single-cell experiments are courses of personalized customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Wei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Si-Yuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi-Tong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dechen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hong-Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing-Juan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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7
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Yang F, Li S, Bi X, Yuan R, Xiang Y. Multicolor-Encoded DNA Framework Enables Specific and Amplified In Situ Detection of the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Signaling Pathway. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12514-12520. [PMID: 37553880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the molecular activation networks of cellular processes through fluorescence imaging to accurately elucidate the signaling pathways of mitochondrial apoptosis and the regulation of upstream and downstream molecules remains a current major challenge. In this work, a multicolor-encoded tetrahedral DNA framework (meTDF) carrying two pairs of catalytic hairpins is synthesized to monitor the intracellular upstream manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mRNA and the downstream cytochrome c (Cyt c) molecules for specific and sensitive detection of the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway. These two types of molecules can trigger catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reactions with accelerated reaction kinetics for the hairpin pairs confined on meTDF to show highly amplified fluorescence for sensitive and simultaneous detection of MnSOD mRNA and Cyt c with detection limits of 3.7 pM and 0.23 nM in vitro, respectively. Moreover, the high stability and biocompatibility of the designed meTDF can facilitate efficient delivery of the probes into cells to monitor intracellular MnSOD mRNA and Cyt c for specific detection of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway regulated by different drugs. With the successful demonstration of their robust capability, the meTDF nanoprobes can thus open new opportunities for detecting cell apoptotic mechanisms for studying the corresponding apoptotic signaling pathways and for screening potential therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Shunmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Xin Bi
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
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8
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Jin GQ, Wang JX, Lu J, Zhang H, Yao Y, Ning Y, Lu H, Gao S, Zhang JL. Two birds one stone: β-fluoropyrrolyl-cysteine S NAr chemistry enabling functional porphyrin bioconjugation. Chem Sci 2023; 14:2070-2081. [PMID: 36845938 PMCID: PMC9944650 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06209g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioconjugation, a synthetic tool that endows small molecules with biocompatibility and target specificity through covalent attachment of a biomolecule, holds promise for next-generation diagnosis or therapy. Besides the establishment of chemical bonding, such chemical modification concurrently allows alteration of the physicochemical properties of small molecules, but this has been paid less attention in designing novel bioconjugates. Here, we report a "two birds one stone" methodology for irreversible porphyrin bioconjugation based on β-fluoropyrrolyl-cysteine SNAr chemistry, in which the β-fluorine of porphyrin is selectively replaced by a cysteine in either peptides or proteins to generate novel β-peptidyl/proteic porphyrins. Notably, due to the distinct electronic nature between fluorine and sulfur, such replacement makes the Q band red-shift to the near-infrared region (NIR, >700 nm). This facilitates intersystem crossing (ISC) to enhance the triplet population and thus singlet oxygen production. This new methodology features water tolerance, a fast reaction time (15 min), good chemo-selectivity, and broad substrate scope, including various peptides and proteins under mild conditions. To demonstrate its potential, we applied porphyrin β-bioconjugates in several scenarios, including (1) cytosolic delivery of functional proteins, (2) metabolic glycan labeling, (3) caspase-3 detection, and (4) tumor-targeting phototheranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Jing-Xiang Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Yingying Ning
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Hua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Song Gao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China .,Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Shantou 515031 P. R. China.,Spin-X Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510641 China
| | - Jun-Long Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China .,Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Shantou 515031 P. R. China
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Lian J, Wang Y, Sun X, Shi Q, Meng F. Progress on Multifunction Enzyme-Activated Organic Fluorescent Probes for Bioimaging. Front Chem 2022; 10:935586. [PMID: 35910747 PMCID: PMC9326025 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.935586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioimaging techniques are of increasing importance in clinical and related fields, which also have been successfully applied in the in vivo/in vitro imaging system. Due to the vital factor of enzymes in biological systems, enzyme-activated fluorophores, which could turn “on” the fluorescence signal from an “off” state, offer non-invasive and effective potential for the accurate bioimaging of particular cells, tissues, or bacteria. Comparing with the traditional imaging probes, enzyme-activated organic small fluorophores can visualize living cells within small animals with high sensitivity, high imaging resolution, non-invasiveness, and real-time feedback. In this mini review, well-designed enzyme-activated organic fluorescent probes with multiple functions are exclusively reviewed through the latest development and progress, focusing on probe design strategy, fluorescence property, enzyme activation process, and bioimaging applications. It is worth noting that multi-enzyme-activated strategies, which could avoid the production of “false-positive” signals in complex biological systems, effectively provide high selective and real-time bioimaging, indicating the exciting potential of intraoperative fluorescence imaging and diagnosis tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lian
- College of Criminal Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Sun
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Quanshi Shi
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Zaozhuang Hospital of Shandong Healthcare Industry Development Group, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Fanda Meng
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Fanda Meng,
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10
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Liu SY, Wang H, Nie G. Ultrasensitive Fibroblast Activation Protein-α-Activated Fluorogenic Probe Enables Selective Imaging and Killing of Melanoma In Vivo. ACS Sens 2022; 7:1837-1846. [PMID: 35713201 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant cancer with a high risk of metastasis and continued increase in death rates over the past decades, and its prognosis is highly related to the disease's stage, while early detection and treatment of melanoma are significant to the improvement of its therapy outcome. Different from the traditional methods for disease diagnosis, enzyme-activated fluorescent probes were developed rapidly due to their high sensitivity and temporal-spatial ratio and have been widely applied in tumor detection, surgical navigation, and cancer-related research. Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα), a serine-type cell surface protease that plays important roles in cell invasion and extracellular matrix degradation, is widely involved in tumor progression such as malignant melanoma, so developing a FAPα activity-based molecular tool would be of great potential for the early diagnosis and therapy of melanoma. However, few fluorescent probes targeting FAPα have been applied in melanoma-related studies, and thus, the construction of FAPα activity-based fluorescent probes for melanoma detection is in urgent need. By incorporating the selective recognition unit with a red-emission fluorophore, cresyl violet, we herein report an ultrasensitive (limit of detection = 5.3 ng/mL) fluorogenic probe for FAPα activity sensing, named CV-FAP; the acquired probe showed a significantly higher binding affinity (15.7-fold) and overall catalytic efficiency (2.6-fold) when compared with those of the best reported FAPα probes. The good performance of CV-FAP made it possible to discriminate malignant melanoma cells and tumor-bearing mice from normal cells and mice with high contrast. More importantly, CV-FAP showed significant antitumor activity toward melanoma in cultured cells and tumor-bearing nude mice (over 95% inhibited tumor growth) with good safety, which made it an ideal theranostic agent for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, P. R. China
| | - Huiling Wang
- College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Gang Nie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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11
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Dong C, Song C, Chao J, Xiong J, Fang X, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Wang L. Multi-armed tetrahedral DNA probes for visualizing the whole-course of cell apoptosis by simultaneously fluorescence imaging intracellular cytochrome c and telomerase. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 205:114059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Lei Q, Huang X, Zheng L, Zheng F, Dong J, Chen F, Zeng W. Biosensors for Caspase-3: From chemical methodologies to biomedical applications. Talanta 2022; 240:123198. [PMID: 34998139 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-3 plays irreplaceable roles in apoptosis and related diseases. An imbalance in the measured levels of Caspase-3 is implicated in irreversible apoptosis. Therefore, the detection of Caspase-3 is of great significance for apoptosis imaging and the evaluation effect of early tumor treatment and other diseases. Herein, advances in the recent innovations of Caspase-3 response fluorescence biosensors, including molecular probes and nanoprobes, are systematically summarized in sections corresponding. The performances of various luminescence probes in Caspase-3 detection are discussed intensively in the design strategy of chemical structure, response mechanism and biological application. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of the design of new Caspase-3 responsive fluorescence probes for apoptosis imaging, or similar molecular event are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lei
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Xueyan Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Fan Zheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Jie Dong
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Fei Chen
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Wenbin Zeng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China.
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13
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Luo W, Chu H, Wu X, Ma P, Wu Q, Song D. Disposable biosensor based on novel ternary Ru-PEI@PCN-333(Al) self-enhanced electrochemiluminescence system for on-site determination of caspase-3 activity. Talanta 2022; 239:123083. [PMID: 34861485 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The number of death due to cancer-related diseases each year is at the alarming level and is constantly growing. Tools that can effectively and conveniently detect cancer cell apoptosis can play a significant role in cancer research, cancer therapy, and other related industries. Herein, we fabricated, for the first time, an ultrasensitive, disposable, self-enhanced off-on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on ternary Ru-PEI@PCN-333(Al) system to determine caspase-3 activity, the biomarker of apoptosis. The biosensor had a low detection limit of 0.017 pg/mL and was able to enhance the ECL emission and stability. A solid-state (SS) ECL strategy was adopted to overcome the relatively weak ECL emission due to the long distance between electrochemiluminophore and electrode surface. The analysis requires only one incubation step, which can significantly reduce the operational complexity and time. The biosensor had higher sensitivity, and the off-on ECL mode was achieved using caspase-3 as a switch. The on-site and rapid detection capability of the biosensor was achieved by the introduction of disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). This study lays a foundation for the development of more advanced, ingenious, portable and reliable ECL devices for biosensing not only caspase-3, but also other bioanalytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Luo
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China; School of Chemistry and Life Science, Anshan Normal University, Ping'an Street 43, Anshan, 114005, China
| | - Hongyu Chu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Sendai Street 126, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Xinzhao Wu
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Pinyi Ma
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Sendai Street 126, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Daqian Song
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, 130012, China.
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14
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An efficiently ratiometric fluorescent probe based on bis-dihydroxyboron fluorescein complexes for detection of pyrethroid residues in fruit juices. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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15
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AuPt NPs with enhanced electrochemical oxidization activity for ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 196:113733. [PMID: 34736102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Strong and stable electrochemical beacons are critical for the achievement of sensitive and reliable electroanalysis applications. In this work, the electrochemical oxidation performance of AuPt NPs was studied and firstly found to be largely enhanced under light illumination. Plasmonic AuPt NPs collected light energy after local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation and generated much more holes to participate in the electrochemical oxidation process of Pt0 in AuPt NPs. AuPt NPs with the electrochemical oxidation peak at around -0.7 V were utilized as detection probes for the fabrication of ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor, by introducing Co-MOF/Fe3O4/Ag nanosheets (NSs) with the electrochemical oxidation peak at 0.1 V as reference beacons. The aptamers of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) modified AuPt NPs were assembled with Co-MOF/Fe3O4/Ag NSs, which generated strong detection and reference signals at -0.7 V and 0.1 V, respectively. The high affinity between EpCAM and aptamers induced the separation of AuPt NPs from Co-MOF/Fe3O4/Ag NSs, resulting in the decrease of detection signal at -0.7 V and unchanged reference signal at 0.1 V. A ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor was achieved for the sensitive and reliable quantification of EpCAM in the range from 100 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 13.8 pg/mL for EpCAM. Plasmon-driven electrochemical oxidation enhancement principle provides the possibility for the design and fabrication of more strong and anti-interference electroactive plasmonic metal-Pt composite nanostructures for the electroanalysis applications.
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Scott J, Deng Q, Vendrell M. Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Cancer-Associated Proteases. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1304-1317. [PMID: 34315210 PMCID: PMC8383269 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are enzymes capable of catalyzing protein breakdown, which is critical across many biological processes. There are several families of proteases, each of which perform key functions through the degradation of specific proteins. As our understanding of cancer improves, it has been demonstrated that several proteases can be overactivated during the progression of cancer and contribute to malignancy. Optical imaging systems that employ near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes to detect protease activity offer clinical promise, both for early detection of cancer as well as for the assessment of personalized therapy. In this Review, we review the design of NIR probes and their successful application for the detection of different cancer-associated proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie
I. Scott
- Centre
for Inflammation Research, The University
of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Qinyi Deng
- Centre
for Inflammation Research, The University
of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Vendrell
- Centre
for Inflammation Research, The University
of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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