A novel fluorescent probe for real-time imaging of thionitrous acid under inflammatory and oxidative conditions

Redox Biol. 2022 Aug:54:102372. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102372. Epub 2022 Jun 17.

Abstract

Thionitrous acid (HSNO), a crosstalk intermediate of two crucial gasotransmitters nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, plays a critical role in redox regulation of cellular signaling and functions. However, real-time and facile detection of HSNO with high selectivity and sensitivity remains highly challenging. Herein we report a novel fluorescent probe (SNP-1) for HSNO detection. SNP-1 has a simple molecular structure, but showing strong fluorescence, a low detection limit, a broad linear detection range (from nanomolar to micromolar concentrations), ultrasensitivity, and high selectivity for HSNO in both aqueous media and cells. Benefiting from these unique features, SNP-1 could effectively visualize changes of HSNO levels in mouse models of acute ulcerative colitis and renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Moreover, the good correlation between colonic HSNO levels and disease activity index demonstrated that HSNO is a promising new diagnostic agent for acute ulcerative colitis. Therefore, SNP-1 can serve as a useful fluorescent probe for precision detection of HSNO in various biological systems, thereby facilitating mechanistic studies, therapeutic assessment, and high-content drug screening for corresponding diseases.

Keywords: Acute ulcerative colitis; Fluorescent probe; Molecular imaging; Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury; Thionitrous acid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Hydrogen Sulfide