Issue 20, 2024

Detecting labile heme and ferroptosis through ‘turn-on’ fluorescence and lipid droplet localization post Fe2+ sensing

Abstract

Iron, a crucial biologically active ion essential for metabolic processes in living organisms, plays a vital role in biological functions, and imbalances in iron levels can lead to various diseases. In this study, we have developed two simple “turn-on” fluorescent probes, NOPy and NOCN, for the quick and selective detection of Fe2+ at nanomolar levels (LOD of 35 nM), accompanied by significant absorption and emission shifts, along with colorimetric demarcation. Both fluorophores exhibit an excellent “turn-on” emission response upon encountering Fe2+ in the cells. Flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence imaging studies demonstrate enhanced fluorescence signals in response to labile iron, efficiently detecting heme during erastin-induced ferroptosis. Interestingly, we also observed that the product formed after Fe2+ sensing localizes within the lipid droplets. These water-soluble and highly sensitive reactive probes, NOPy and NOCN, enable investigations of iron-dependent physiological and pathological conditions. The development of these probes represents an advancement in the field, offering a rapid and selective means for detecting Fe2+ with minimal cytotoxicity.

Graphical abstract: Detecting labile heme and ferroptosis through ‘turn-on’ fluorescence and lipid droplet localization post Fe2+ sensing

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
20 Feb 2024
Accepted
15 Apr 2024
First published
16 Apr 2024

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 4962-4974

Detecting labile heme and ferroptosis through ‘turn-on’ fluorescence and lipid droplet localization post Fe2+ sensing

Y. Dubey, S. Mansuri and S. Kanvah, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 4962 DOI: 10.1039/D4TB00353E

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