A lysosome-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe used to detect Nitroxyl (HNO) in a Parkinson's disease model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease common in middle-aged and older individuals. At present, the exact cause is unknown, and the diagnosis is cumbersome, which seriously hinders the early diagnosis of patients. During the same time, during PD, there are conditions for the formation of nitroxyl (HNO). In addition, it has been shown that HNO has toxic effects on dopaminergic neurons and can lead to depletion of Glutathione (GSH), which is associated with features of PD. Therefore, HNO could be used as a potential biomarker for PD. Unfortunately, studies on changes in HNO content during PD are rarely reported. Here, we synthesized the first near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe HX-HNO for detecting HNO content in a PD model. The probe has excellent selectivity and sensitivity, and can detect HNO produced in various biochemical processes. Most importantly, in a PD model generated by rotenone, HX-HNO detected elevated levels of HNO. The visualization of HNO by HX-HNO provides a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of PD.