A coumarin-based reversible two-photon fluorescence probe for imaging glutathione near N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors

Glutathione (GSH) is known to play a key role in the modulation of the redox environment in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Coumarin derivative 1 bearing cyanoacrylamide and ifenprodil moieties was synthesized and reported to monitor GSH near NMDA receptors. The cyanoacrylamide moiety allows probe 1 to monitor GSH reversibly at pH 7.4 and the ifenprodil group acts as a directing group for NMDA receptors. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy allows probe 1 to successfully sense endogenous GSH in neuronal cells and hippocampal tissues with excitation at 750 nm. Furthermore, the addition of H₂O₂ and GSH induced a decrease and an increase in fluorescence emission. Probe 1 can serve as a potential practical imaging tool to get important information on GSH in the brain.

A Two-Photon Fluorescent Probe for Imaging Endogenous ONOO- near NMDA Receptors in Neuronal Cells and Hippocampal Tissues

In this study, we developed a two-photon fluorescent probe for detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) near the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. This naphthalimide-based probe contains a boronic acid reactive group and an ifenprodil-like tail, which serves as an NMDA receptor targeting unit. The probe displays high sensitivity and selectivity, along with a fast response time in aqueous solution. More importantly, the probe can be employed along with two-photon fluorescence microscopy to detect endogenous ONOO^- near NMDA receptors in neuronal cells as well as in hippocampal tissues. The results suggest that the probe has the potential of serving as a useful imaging tool for studying ONOO^- related diseases in the nervous system.

Recent developments in multimodality fluorescence imaging probes

Multimodality optical imaging probes have emerged as powerful tools that improve detection sensitivity and accuracy, important in disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we focus on recent developments of optical fluorescence imaging (OFI) probe integration with other imaging modalities such as X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). The imaging technologies are briefly described in order to introduce the strengths and limitations of each techniques and the need for further multimodality optical imaging probe development. The emphasis of this account is placed on how design strategies are currently implemented to afford physicochemically and biologically compatible multimodality optical fluorescence imaging probes. We also present studies that overcame intrinsic disadvantages of each imaging technique by multimodality approach with improved detection sensitivity and accuracy.

Advanced optoacoustic methods for multiscale imaging of in vivo dynamics

Visualization of dynamic functional and molecular events in an unperturbed in vivo environment is essential for understanding the complex biology of living organisms and of disease state and progression. To this end, optoacoustic (photoacoustic) sensing and imaging have demonstrated the exclusive capacity to maintain excellent optical contrast and high resolution in deep-tissue observations, far beyond the penetration limits of modern microscopy. Yet, the time domain is paramount for the observation and study of complex biological interactions that may be invisible in single snapshots of living systems. This review focuses on the recent advances in optoacoustic imaging assisted by smart molecular labeling and dynamic contrast enhancement approaches that enable new types of multiscale dynamic observations not attainable with other bio-imaging modalities. A wealth of investigated new research topics and clinical applications is further discussed, including imaging of large-scale brain activity patterns, volumetric visualization of moving organs and contrast agent kinetics, molecular imaging using targeted and genetically expressed labels, as well as three-dimensional handheld diagnostics of human subjects.

Molecular imaging probes for multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography

In this review, we discuss recent progress in emerging optoacoustic probes, their mechanisms, applications and challenges for biological imaging using MSOT.

GluN2B Subunit Labeling with Fluorescent Probes and High-Resolution Live Imaging

Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) imaging using an appropriate fluorescent probe enables the visualization of a molecular target with high resolution, and represents a method of choice for studying expression, subcellular location, and trafficking of receptors in living cells. The chemical, physical, and pharmacological properties of the probe remain essential. Here, we describe (1) the preparation of a specific probe for NMDAR GluN2B receptor by conjugation of fluorescein to an ifenprodil-based ligand, (2) an in vitro functional assay by calcium imaging for GluN2B binding and inhibition evaluation of the probe, and (3) the labeling and confocal imaging of GluN2B in DS-red labeled living cortical neurons.