Dynamic Bionic Organelle‐Migrating Fluorescence Probe for Mitochondrial and Nuclear Parallel G4 DNA Imaging and Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Abstract G‐quadruplex (G4) structures are significant therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer, but developing fluorescent probes capable of targeting mitochondrial and nuclear parallel G4 DNA while achieving precise imaging and therapeutic functions remains challenging. Herein, a series of pyridinium cationic fluorescent probes with varying alkyl chain lengths is synthesized for organelle‐specific targeting. Among them, probe PCP initially accumulated in mitochondria, where its interaction with mitochondrial G4 DNA disrupted the cell cycle and induced reactive oxygen species imbalance, ultimately causing mitochondrial damage. Subsequently, PCP migrated from mitochondria to the nucleus, where its enhanced fluorescence response is activated by increased viscosity from cellular damage, enabling in situ self‐reporting of apoptosis. After being encapsulated within homotypic cell membranes to form PCP‐ML NPs, the resulting nanoprobes demonstrated efficient targeting toward MCF‐7 cells. Owing to this specific targeting, at a concentration of 10 µ m , the PCP‐ML NPs induced apoptosis in 72.37% of the cells and significantly inhibited their proliferation. This work presents a useful strategy for applying parallel G4 DNA‐targeting fluorescent probes in cancer imaging and therapy.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202519674
Primary Topic
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Dynamic Bionic Organelle‐Migrating Fluorescence Probe for Mitochondrial and Nuclear Parallel G4 DNA Imaging and Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Yanmei Zhou, Qiu‐Ya Wang, Tian Wu, Yuanyuan Li et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
article

Dynamic Bionic Organelle‐Migrating Fluorescence Probe for Mitochondrial and Nuclear Parallel G4 DNA Imaging and Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Yanmei Zhou, Qiu‐Ya Wang, Tian Wu, Yuanyuan Li, Ting Chen, Yibing Wang
article en

Abstract

Abstract G‐quadruplex (G4) structures are significant therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer, but developing fluorescent probes capable of targeting mitochondrial and nuclear parallel G4 DNA while achieving precise imaging and therapeutic functions remains challenging. Herein, a series of pyridinium cationic fluorescent probes with varying alkyl chain lengths is synthesized for organelle‐specific targeting. Among them, probe PCP initially accumulated in mitochondria, where its interaction with mitochondrial G4 DNA disrupted the cell cycle and induced reactive oxygen species imbalance, ultimately causing mitochondrial damage. Subsequently, PCP migrated from mitochondria to the nucleus, where its enhanced fluorescence response is activated by increased viscosity from cellular damage, enabling in situ self‐reporting of apoptosis. After being encapsulated within homotypic cell membranes to form PCP‐ML NPs, the resulting nanoprobes demonstrated efficient targeting toward MCF‐7 cells. Owing to this specific targeting, at a concentration of 10 µ m , the PCP‐ML NPs induced apoptosis in 72.37% of the cells and significantly inhibited their proliferation. This work presents a useful strategy for applying parallel G4 DNA‐targeting fluorescent probes in cancer imaging and therapy.

Advanced Functional Materials
Henan University (CN), Henan Medical University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.