Fluorescent probes for the detection of hydrogen polysulfides

Abstract

Endogenous hydrogen polysulfides have recently been recognized as important regulators in sulfur-related redox biology. H2Sn can activate tumor suppressors, ion channels, and transcription factors with higher potency than H2Sn. But, a major hurdle in this field is the lack of reliable and convenient methods of H2Sn detection.

Researchers at WSU have developed a series of reaction-based fluorescent probes for H2Sn detection, which takes advantage of a unique dual-reactivity of H2Sn as both nucleophiles and electrophiles. This inventionopens a door for better understanding both the chemical reactivity and the biologically significant role hydrogenpolysulfides plays. The probes showed desirable off-on fluorescence responses to H2Sn and high specificity. The probes can be applied in visualizing both exogenous and endogenous H2Sn in cells. Our results also revealed new biosynthetic pathways of H2Sn from CSE or D-Cys for the first time. The probes are expected to be a useful tool in understanding the physiological functions of H2Sn.

Applications and Advantages

• Novel probes for hydrogen polysulfides

• Can be used in living cells.

• The probes were successfully applied in the visualization of both exogenous and endogenous H2Sn in cells.

• Multiple applications

• Versatile research tool