Two-photon fluorogenic probe off γ-glutamyl transpeptidase for cancer cells identification with simultaneous oxidative stress monitoring

Abstract

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) is overexpressed as a special biomarker in several important cancers. Until now, the reported GGT-targeted fluorescent probes have encountered key challenges, such as low selectivity and leakage after hydrolysis. Herein, a novel two-photon fluorogenic probe (Glu-TPAN) was designed for the specific detection of GGT in cells and in vivo. This probe was combined with the GGT-responsive group γ-glutamate and two-photon dye TPAN, which showed significant fluorescence enhancement upon the introduction of GGT. Noteworthy, Glu-TPAN could distinguish hepatoma cells from healthy hepatic cells and detect the oxidative stress in cells through monitoring GGT levels. Furthermore, endogenous and exogenous GGT level and oxidative stress detections were realized with Glu-TPAN in vivo. This novel GGT fluorogenic probe is of great significance for the development of precancerous detection.