Robust ERα-Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescence Probe for Selective Hydrazine Imaging in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and may become worse when a high concentration of hydrazine is absorbed from the environment or drug metabolite. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of hydrazine in vivo is beneficial for people’s health. In this work, a novel estrogen receptor α (ERα)-targeted near-infrared fluorescence probe was designed to detect hydrazine levels. The probe showed good ERα affinity and an excellent fluorescence response toward hydrazine. Selectivity experiments demonstrated that the probe had a strong anti-interference ability. Mechanistic studies, including mass spectrometry (MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, indicated that intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) progress was hindered when the probe reacted with hydrazine, resulting in fluorescent quenching. In addition, the probe could selectively bind to MCF-7 breast cancer cells with excellent biocompatibility. The in vivo and ex vivo imaging studies demonstrated that the probe could rapidly visualize hydrazine with high contrast in MCF-7 xenograft tumors. Therefore, this probe can serve as a potential tool to robustly monitor hydrazine levels in vivo.

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

“…Cancer poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating the development of noninvasive imaging techniques for disease diagnosis and localization of tumor sites, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. ,− Advancements in NIR fluorescence imaging offer unprecedented insights into tissues, enabling enhanced tumor detection at deeper depths with improved contrast. − This technology holds immense potential for early cancer detection during screenings and precise delineation of boundaries between healthy and pathological tissues. − Moreover, in vivo imaging techniques have proven instrumental for visualizing molecular biomarkers and tumor tissue within living organisms, offering a promising and efficient approach for clinical theranostics and prognostication of cancer. − Tumors can be classified into two types, namely primary tumors and metastatic tumors.…”

A near‐infrared fluorescent probe for detecting hydrazine metabolized from isoniazid in living cells

“…In recent years, many fluorescent probes have been reported for detecting N 2 H 4 in living cells [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Near-infrared fluorescent probes (650-900 nm) are particularly suitable for detecting small molecules in vivo, because they cause little damage to tissue and have good tissue penetration [24,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”

“…In addition, Tang et al . designed an oestrogen receptor α ‐targeted near‐infrared fluorescent probe for monitoring N 2 H 4 levels in vivo [26]. However, these fluorescent probes still have some limitations including complex synthesis, small Stokes’ shift and short emitted wavelength.…”

Multi-scene visual hydrazine hydrate detection based on a dibenzothiazole derivative

“…At present, some fluorescence probes have emerged for the detection of N 2 H 4 . [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Lin et al prepared a N 2 H 4 probe called Co-NH, which can sense N 2 H 4 in TLC plates, living cells, and zebrafish. 34 Zhao et al obtained a colorimetric and ratiometric N 2 H 4 probe that can image N 2 H 4 signals in test strips and soils.…”