Visualization of in Vivo Hydrogen Sulfide Production by a Bioluminescence Probe in Cancer Cells and Nude Mice

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an exciting endogenous gasotransmitter in addition to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. However, its precise measurement in living cells and animals remains a challenge. In this study, a novel bioluminescence H2S probe was designed and synthesized by modifying the 6'-amino group of d-aminoluciferin into a 6'-azido group, which was highly selective against other reactive sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen species. Our H2S probe azidoluciferin sensitively reacted with H2S to release d-aminoluciferin with a strong bioluminescence signal. On the basis of its high selectivity and sensitivity, the H2S probe was used to detect H2S production in live cancer cells and nude mice. The bioluminescence signal decreased in mice treated with propargylglycine, an inhibitor of H2S, suggesting that our H2S probe can detect endogenous H2S in real time, in vivo. Overall, the excellent sensing properties of the probe combined with its bioimaging capability make it a useful tool to study H2S biological roles.