A Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe for imaging H₂O₂ and releasing H₂S during Golgi stress

Golgi stress was the major stress response in the Golgi apparatus, which might be induced the disruption of redox balance and relate to a variety of diseases. As an important reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) played an essential role in the Golgi apparatus, the abnormal concentration of H₂O₂ might cause oxidative damage. In contrast, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) acted as a protector for the Golgi apparatus to relieve Golgi stress. Combined thiocarbamates as H₂S donor group activated by oxidizing phenylboronic acid pinacol ester to hydroxyl by H₂O₂, a Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe Golnap-H₂O₂ had been developed based on a reported Golgi-targeted fluorophore. Golnap-H₂O₂ showed the selectivity to H₂O₂ and the ability to release H₂S in the existence of carbonic anhydrase. Besides, Golnap-H₂O₂ exhibited the targeting ability to Golgi apparatus and was qualified for imaging H₂O₂. According to our study results, Golnap-H₂O₂ could not only be used as a satisfactory imaging tool for detecting H₂O₂ in Golgi apparatus to explore the complex physiological functions, but also be used as a potential H₂S donor for cytoprotection.