Dynamic and reversible fluorescence imaging of superoxide anion fluctuations in live cells and in vivo

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Oct 9;135(40):14956-9. doi: 10.1021/ja408524j. Epub 2013 Sep 26.

Abstract

Overgeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is closely associated with cellular damage and diseases. As superoxide anion (O2(•-)) is the precursor of other ROS, exploring O2(•-) fluctuations in cells and in vivo is of great significance. To address this critical need, we have developed a novel reversible fluorescent probe with one-photon and two-photon fluorescence properties, which is well suited for monitoring O2(•-) fluxes selectively and dynamically. Imaging results substantiate dynamic and reversible fluorescence responses of this probe to intracellular O2(•-) under apoptotic stimuli. Moreover, this probe can conveniently visualize changes in O2(•-) concentration during reperfusion injury in hepatocytes, zebrafish, and mice, by means of one-photon or two-photon imaging according to depths of various samples. The present study provides a powerful fluorescent imaging tool for dynamic tracking of O2(•-) in live cells and in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Hepatocytes / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Superoxides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Superoxides