Simultaneous Visualization of Endogenous Homocysteine, Cysteine, Glutathione, and their Transformation through Different Fluorescence Channels

Abstract

Studying numerous biologically important species simultaneously is crucial to understanding cellular functions and the root causes of related diseases. Direct visualization of endogenous biothiols in biological systems is of great value to understanding their biological roles. Herein, a novel multi-signal fluorescent probe was rationally designed and exploited for the simultaneous sensing of homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), and glutathione (GSH) using different emission channels. This probe was successfully applied to the simultaneous discrimination between and visualization of endogenous Hcy, Cys, GSH, and their transformation in living cells.

Keywords: endogenous biothiols; fluorescent probe; simultaneous sensing; transformation.