Specific cell surface protein imaging by extended self-assembling fluorescent turn-on nanoprobes.
Visualization of tumor-specific protein biomarkers on cell membranes has the potential to contribute greatly to basic biological research and therapeutic applications. We recently reported a unique supramolecular strategy for specific protein detection using self-assembling fluorescent nanoprobes consisting of a hydrophilic protein ligand and a hydrophobic BODIPY fluorophore in test tube settings. This method is based on recognition-driven disassembly of the nanoprobes, which induces a clear turn-on fluorescent signal. In the present study, we have successfully extended the range of applicable fluorophores to the more hydrophilic ones such as fluorescein or rhodamine by introducing a hydrophobic module near the fluorophore. Increasing the range of available fluorophores allowed selective imaging of membrane-bound proteins under live cell conditions. That is, overexpressed folate receptor (FR) or hypoxia-inducible membrane-bound carbonic anhydrases (CA) on live cell surfaces as cancer-specific biomarkers were fluorescently visualized using the designed supramolecular nanoprobes in the turn-on manner. Moreover, a cell-based inhibitor-assay platform for CA on a live cell surface was constructed, highlighting the potential applicability of the self-assembling turn-on probes.
Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
Keigo
K
Mizusawa
Yousuke
Y
Takaoka
Itaru
I
Hamachi
D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure
C095489:4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene; D001896:Boron Compounds; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008565:Membrane Proteins