An Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeted Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for the Sensing of Hydrogen Sulfide in Living Cells and Zebrafish

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule in many physiological processes. Relevant investigations indicated that H₂S plays a cytoprotective effect under endoplasmic reticulum stress. Currently, it is still a challenge to design effective methods for ratio detection of endoplasmic reticulum H₂S. Herein we are the first to construct a ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probe (M-H₂S) for sensing H₂S in the endoplasmic reticulum. M-H₂S has high selectivity and sensitivity toward H₂S (LOD = 39.1 nM). Additionally, M-H₂S possessed an excellent endoplasmic reticulum targeting ability. Moreover, M-H₂S was successfully utilized to visualize exogenous/endogenous H₂S in HeLa cells and zebrafish. Particularly important, endogenously produced H₂S was observed under endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by tunicamycin.