Direct readout protonophore induced selective uncoupling and dysfunction of individual mitochondria within cancer cells

Abstract

Concurrently, manipulation of mitochondrial activity and its monitoring have enormous significance in cancer therapy and diagnosis. In this context, a fluorescent probe MitoDP has been developed for validating H₂S mediated protonophore (2,4-dinitrophenol, DNP) induced mitochondrial membrane potential change, ROS formation and ATP depletion in cancer cells. The extent of protonophore activation for mitochondrial dysfunction is monitored through fluorescence signalling at 450 nm. The current study provides a proof for the concept of endogenous H₂S-mediated controlled and spatial release of bioactive agents, or toxins specifically in mitochondria of cancer cells.