A highly selective ratio-metric fluorescent sensor for visualizing nitroreductase in hypoxic cells

Abstract

Herein, we have developed a novel single-molecular probe (NORP) for selective and accurate determination of NTR in living cells. It was discovered that up-regulation of endogenous NTR occurred in response to hypoxic stimulation, and there was a dependence between the NTR levels and the degree of hypoxia.