Simultaneous Fe2+/Fe3+ imaging shows Fe3+ over Fe2+ enrichment in Alzheimer's disease mouse brain

Sci Adv. 2023 Apr 21;9(16):eade7622. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade7622. Epub 2023 Apr 19.

Abstract

Visualizing redox-active metal ions, such as Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, are essential for understanding their roles in biological processes and human diseases. Despite the development of imaging probes and techniques, imaging both Fe2+ and Fe3+ simultaneously in living cells with high selectivity and sensitivity has not been reported. Here, we selected and developed DNAzyme-based fluorescent turn-on sensors that are selective for either Fe2+ or Fe3+, revealing a decreased Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio during ferroptosis and an increased Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio in Alzheimer's disease mouse brain. The elevated Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio was mainly observed in amyloid plaque regions, suggesting a correlation between amyloid plaques and the accumulation of Fe3+ and/or conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+. Our sensors can provide deep insights into the biological roles of labile iron redox cycling.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / diagnostic imaging
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Metals
  • Mice
  • Plaque, Amyloid

Substances

  • Iron
  • Metals
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides