A novel,cell-permeable,fluorescent probe for ratiometric imaging of zinc ion

Zn(2+) plays important roles in various biological systems; as a result, the development of tools that can visualize chelatable Zn(2+) has attracted much attention recently. We report here newly synthesized fluorescent sensors for Zn(2+), ZnAF-Rs, whose excitation maximum is shifted by Zn(2+) under physiological conditions. Thus, these sensors enable ratiometric imaging, which is a technique to reduce artifacts by minimizing the influence of extraneous factors on the fluorescence of a probe. Ratiometric measurement can provide precise data, and some probes allow quantitative detection. ZnAF-Rs are the first ratiometric fluorescent sensors for Zn(2+) that enable quantitative analysis under physiological conditions. ZnAF-Rs also possess suitable K(d) for applications, and high selectivity against other biologically relevant cations, especially Ca(2+). Using these probes, changes of intracellular Zn(2+) concentration in cultured cells were monitored successfully. We believe that these probes will be extremely useful in studies on the biological functions of Zn(2+).     

Development of a far-red to near-infrared fluorescence probe for calcium ion and its application to multicolor neuronal imaging

To improve optical imaging of Ca(2+) and to make available a distinct color window for multicolor imaging, we designed and synthesized CaSiR-1, a far-red to near-infrared fluorescence probe for Ca(2+), using Si-rhodamine (SiR) as the fluorophore and the well-known Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA. This wavelength region is advantageous, affording higher tissue penetration, lower background autofluorescence, and lower phototoxicity in comparison with the UV to visible range. CaSiR-1 has a high fluorescence off/on ratio of over 1000. We demonstrate its usefulness for multicolor fluorescence imaging of action potentials (visualized as increases in intracellular Ca(2+)) in brain slices loaded with sulforhodamine 101 (red color; specific for astrocytes) that were prepared from transgenic mice in which some neurons expressed green fluorescent protein.     

ZP8, a neuronal zinc sensor with improved dynamic range; imaging zinc in hippocampal slices with two-photon microscopy

The synthesis of a difluorofluorescein monocarboxaldehyde platform and its use for preparing ZP8, a new member of the Zinpyr family of neuronal Zn(2+) sensors, are described. By combining an aniline photoinduced electron transfer (PET) switch and an electron-withdrawing fluorescein scaffold, ZP8 displays reduced background fluorescence and improved dynamic range compared to previous ZP probes. The bright sensor undergoes an 11-fold increase in fluorescence intensity upon Zn(2+) complexation (Phi = 0.03-0.35) with high selectivity over cellular concentrations of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). In addition, sensors in the ZP family have been utilized for optical imaging in biological samples using two-photon microscopy (TPM). The cell-permeable ZP3 probe is capable of identifying natural pools of labile Zn(2+) within the mossy fiber synapses of live hippocampal slices using TPM, establishing the application of this technique for monitoring endogenous Zn(2+) stores.     

Development of an iminocoumarin-based zinc sensor suitable for ratiometric fluorescence imaging of neuronal zinc

Ratiometric imaging is a technique to reduce artifacts by minimizing the influence of extraneous factors on the fluorescence of a sensor and is particularly useful for cellular imaging studies. Here we characterized the iminocoumarin fluorophore as a new scaffold for sensors for ratiometric imaging. The iminocoumarin 4 showed a high quantum yield in aqueous media on excitation in the visible wavelength region, while its coumarin analogue showed little fluorescence. We therefore developed a novel fluorescence probe, ZnIC, for ratiometric imaging of Zn2+, using iminocoumarin as a fluorophore and (ethylamino)dipicolylamine as a Zn2+ chelator. ZnIC exhibited almost the same fluorescence properties as 4, and the emission spectrum of this probe was red-shifted on addition of Zn2+ under physiological conditions. ZnIC is selective for Zn2+ over other biologically important metal ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and has high affinity for Zn2+. To confirm the suitability of ZnIC for biological applications, we employed it for the ratiometric detection of changes in intracellular Zn2+ in cultured cells and in rat hippocampal slices. The results indicate that iminocoumarin is a useful fluorophore for fluorescence microscopic imaging and that ZnIC should be useful for studies on the biological functions of Zn2+.     

Time-resolved long-lived luminescence imaging method employing luminescent lanthanide probes with a new microscopy system

Superior fluorescence imaging methods are needed for detailed studies on biological phenomena, and one approach that permits precise analyses is time-resolved fluorescence measurement, which offers a high signal-to-noise ratio. Herein, we describe a new fluorescence imaging system to visualize biomolecules within living biological samples by means of time-resolved, long-lived luminescence microscopy (TRLLM). In TRLLM, short-lived background fluorescence and scattered light are gated out, allowing the long-lived luminescence to be selectively imaged. Usual time-resolved fluorescence microscopy provides fluorescence images with nanosecond resolution and has been used to image interactions between proteins, protein phosphorylation, the local pH, the refractive index, ion or oxygen concentrations, etc. Luminescent lanthanide complexes (especially europium and terbium trivalent ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+)), in contrast, have long luminescence lifetimes on the order of milliseconds. We have designed and synthesized new luminescent Eu3+ complexes for TRLLM and also developed a new TRLLM system using a conventional fluorescence microscope with an image intensifier unit for gated signal acquisition and a xenon flash lamp as the excitation source. When the newly developed luminescent Eu3+ complexes were applied to living cells, clear fluorescence images were acquired with the TRLLM system, and short-lived fluorescence was completely excluded. By using Eu3+ and Tb3+ luminescent complexes in combination, time-resolved dual-color imaging was also possible. Furthermore, we monitored changes of intracellular ionic zinc (Zn2+) concentration by using a Zn2+-selective luminescent Eu3+ chemosensor, [Eu-7]. This new imaging technique should facilitate investigations of biological functions with fluorescence microscopy, complementing other fluorescence imaging methodologies.     

Selective zinc sensor molecules with various affinities for Zn2+, revealing dynamics and regional distribution of synaptically released Zn2+ in hippocampal slices

We have developed a series of fluorescent Zn(2+) sensor molecules with distinct affinities for Zn(2+), because biological Zn(2+) concentrations vary over a wide range from sub-nanomolar to millimolar. The new sensors have K(d) values in the range of 10(-8)-10(-4) M, compared with 2.7 nM for ZnAF-2. They do not fluoresce in the presence of other biologically important metal ions such as calcium or magnesium, and they can detect Zn(2+) within 100 ms. In cultured cells, the fluorescence intensity of ZnAF-2 was saturated at low Zn(2+) concentration, while that of ZnAF-3 (K(d) = 0.79 muM) was not saturated even at relatively high Zn(2+) concentrations. In hippocampal slices, we measured synaptic release of Zn(2+) in response to high-potassium-induced depolarization. ZnAF-2 showed similar levels of fluorescence increase in dentate gyrus (DG), CA3 and CA1, which were indistinguishable. However, ZnAF-3 showed a fluorescence increase only in DG. Thus, by using a combination of sensor molecules, it was demonstrated for the first time that a higher Zn(2+) concentration is released in DG than in CA3 or CA1 and that we can easily visualize Zn(2+) concentration over a wide range. We believe that the use of various combinations of ZnAF family members will offer unprecedented versatility for fluorescence-microscopic imaging of Zn(2+) in biological applications.     

Photosensitization reaction-induced acute electrophysiological cell response of rat myocardial cells in short loading periods of talaporfin sodium or porfimer sodium

Electrophysiological responses of rat myocardial cells to exogenous photosensitization reactions for a short period of incubation with two photosensitizers, talaporfin sodium or porfimer sodium, were measured in a subsecond time scale. The loading period of the photosensitizer when the photosensitizer might not be taken up by the cells was selected as 15min, which was determined by the fluorescence microscopic observation. We measured the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+) ](in) ) by using a fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator, Fluo-4 AM, under a high-speed confocal laser microscope to evaluate the acute electrophysiological cell response to the photosensitization reaction. The measured temporal change in Fluo-4 fluorescence intensity indicated that the response to the photosensitization reaction might be divided into two phases in both photosensitizers. The first phase is acute response: disappearance of Ca(2+) oscillation when irradiation starts, which might be caused by ion channel dysfunction. The second phase is slow response: [Ca(2+) ](in) elevation indicating influx of Ca(2+) due to the concentration gradient. The continuous Ca(2+) influx followed by changes in cell morphology suggested micropore formation on the surface of the cell membrane, resulting in necrotic cell death.     

8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives as fluorescent sensors for magnesium in living cells

Despite the key role of magnesium in many fundamental biological processes, knowledge about its intracellular regulation is still scarce, due to the lack of appropriate detection methods. Here, we report the spectroscopic and photochemical characterization of two diaza-18-crown-6 hydroxyquinoline derivatives (DCHQ) and we propose their application in total Mg(2+) assessment and in confocal imaging as effective Mg(2+) indicators. DCHQ derivatives 1 and 2 bind Mg(2+) with much higher affinity than other available probes (K(d) = 44 and 73 microM, respectively) and show a strong fluorescence increase upon binding. Remarkably, fluorescence output is not significantly affected by other divalent cations, most importantly Ca(2+), or by pH changes within the physiological range. Evidence is provided on the use of fluorometric data to derive total cellular Mg(2+) content, which is consistent with atomic absorption data. Furthermore, we show that DCHQ compounds can be effectively employed to map intracellular ion distribution and movements in live cells by confocal microscopy. A clear staining pattern consistent with known affinities of Mg(2+) for biological ligands is shown; moreover, changes in the fluorescence signal could be tracked following stimuli known to modify intracellular Mg(2+) concentration. These findings suggest that DCHQ derivatives may serve as new tools for the study of Mg(2+) regulation, allowing sensitive and straightforward detection of both static and dynamic signals.     

Ca2+ -dependent regulation of phototransduction

Photon absorption by rhodopsin triggers the phototransduction signaling pathway that culminates in degradation of cGMP, closure of cGMP-gated ion channels and hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor membrane. This process is accompanied by a decrease in free Ca(2+) concentration in the photoreceptor cytosol sensed by Ca(2+)-binding proteins that modulate phototransduction and activate the recovery phase to reestablish the photoreceptor dark potential. Guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs) belong to the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family and are responsible for activating retinal guanylate cyclases (retGCs) at low Ca(2+) concentrations triggering synthesis of cGMP and recovery of the dark potential. Here we review recent structural insight into the role of the N-terminal myristoylation in GCAPs and compare it to other NCS family members. We discuss previous studies identifying regions of GCAPs important for retGC1 regulation in the context of the new structural data available for myristoylated GCAP1. In addition, we present a hypothetical model for the Ca(2+)-triggered conformational change in GCAPs and retGC1 regulation. Finally, we briefly discuss the involvement of mutant GCAP1 proteins in the etiology of retinal degeneration as well as the importance of other Ca(2+) sensors in the modulation of phototransduction.     

The characterization for the binding of calcium and terbium to Euplotes octocarinatus centrin

Centrin is a member of the EF-hand superfamily that plays critical role in the centrosome duplication and separation. In the present paper, we characterized properties of metal ions binding to Euplotes octocarinatus centrin (EoCen) by fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Changes of fluorescence spectra and alpha-helix contents of EoCen proved that Tb(3+) and Ca(2+) induced great conformational changes of EoCen resulting in exposing hydrophobic surfaces. At pH 7.4, Ca(2+) (and Tb(3+)) bond with EoCen at the ratio of 4:1. Equilibrium experiment indicated that Ca(2+) and Tb(3+) exhibited different binding capabilities for C- and N-terminal domains of protein. C-terminal domain bond with Ca(2+) or Tb(3+) approximately 100-fold more strongly than N-terminal. Aromatic residue-sensitized Tb(3+) energy transfer suggested that site IV bond to Tb(3+) or Ca(2+) more strongly than site III. Based on fluorescence titration curves, we reckoned the conditional binding constants of EoCen site IV quantitatively to be K(IV)=(1.23+/-0.51)x10(8)M(-1) and K(IV)=(6.82+/-0.33)x10(5)M(-1) with Tb(3+) and Ca(2+), respectively. Metal ions bond to EoCen in the order of IV>III>II, I.     

Controlled on-chip stimulation of quantal catecholamine release from chromaffin cells using photolysis of caged Ca2+ on transparent indium-tin-oxide microchip electrodes

Photorelease of caged Ca(2+) is a uniquely powerful tool to study the dynamics of Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis from individual cells. Using photolithography and other microfabrication techniques, we have developed transparent microchip devices to enable photorelease of caged Ca(2+), together with electrochemical detection of quantal catecholamine secretion from individual cells or cell arrays as a step towards developing high-throughput experimental devices. A 100 nm thick transparent indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film was sputter-deposited onto glass coverslips, which were then patterned into 24 cell-sized working electrodes (approximately 20 microm by 20 microm). We loaded bovine chromaffin cells with acetoxymethyl (AM) ester derivatives of the Ca(2+) cage NP-EGTA and Ca(2+) indicator dye fura-4F, then transferred these cells onto the working ITO electrodes for amperometric recordings. Upon flash photorelease of caged Ca(2+), a uniform rise of [Ca(2+)](i) within the target cell leads to quantal release of oxidizable catecholamines measured amperometrically by the underlying ITO electrode. We observed a burst of amperometric spikes upon rapid elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) and a "priming" effect of sub-stimulatory [Ca(2+)](i) on the response of cells to subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, similar to previous reports using different techniques. We conclude that UV photolysis of caged Ca(2+) is a suitable stimulation technique for higher-throughput studies of Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis on transparent electrochemical microelectrode arrays.     

Microfluidic systems to examine intercellular coupling of pairs of cardiac myocytes

In this paper we describe a microfluidic environment that enables us to explore cell-to-cell signalling between longitudinally linked primary heart cells. We have chosen to use pairs (or doublets) of cardiac myocyte as a model system, not only because of the importance of cell-cell signalling in the study of heart disease but also because the single cardiomyocytes are both mechanically and electrically active and their synchronous activation due to the intercellular coupling within the doublet can be readily monitored on optical and electrical recordings. Such doublets have specialised intercellular contact structures in the form of the intercalated discs, comprising the adhesive junction (fascia adherens and macula adherens or desmosome) and the connecting junction (known as gap junction). The latter structure enables adjacent heart cells to share ions, second messengers and small metabolites (<1 kDa) between them and thus provides the structural basis for the synchronous (syncytical) behaviour of connected cardiomyocytes. Using the unique environment provided by the microfluidic system, described in this paper, we explore the local ionic conditions that enable the propagation of Ca(2+) waves between two heart cells. We observe that the ability of intracellular Ca(2+) waves to traverse the intercalated discs is dependent on the relative concentrations of diastolic Ca(2+) in the two adjacent cells. These experiments rely upon our ability to independently control both the electrical stimulation of each of the cells (using integrated microelectrodes) and to rapidly change (or switch) the local concentrations of ions and drugs in the extracellular buffer within the microfluidic channel (using a nanopipetting system). Using this platform, it is also possible to make simultaneous optical recordings (including fluorescence and cell contraction) to explore the effect of drugs on one or both cells, within the doublet.     

Luminescence and microstructures of Eu(3+)-doped Ca9LiGd(2/3)(PO4)7

A red-emitting phosphor, Eu(3+)-doped Ca(9)LiGd(2/3)(PO(4))(7), was synthesized by the conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the pure crystalline phase of Whitlockite-type structure. The excitation spectra of Eu(3+) doped Ca(9)LiGd(2/3)(PO(4))(7) were measured in the VUV and UV region indicating an efficient energy transfer process from the host and Gd(3+) to Eu(3+) ions. Upon excitation with VUV and UV radiation, the phosphor showed strong red emission around 611 nm corresponding to the forced electric dipole (5)D(0)→(7)F(2) transition of Eu(3+) ions. The VUV- and UV-excited luminescence spectra of Ca(9)LiGd(2/3)(PO(4))(7):Eu(3+) together with the dependence of the integrated emission intensities on the doping levels were investigated. The Eu(3+) ions were investigated by a tunable laser as an excitation source. The excitation spectra of (7)F(0)→(5)D(0) transitions suggest that there are two families of inequivalent sites for Eu(3+) in this host. The concentration quenching and crystallographic site-occupancy of Eu(3+) ions in Ca(9)LiGd(2/3)(PO(4))(7) host were discussed on the basis of the site selective excitation and emission spectra, the luminescence decay and its crystal structure.     

A near-infrared fluorescent calcium probe: a new tool for intracellular multicolour Ca2+ imaging

We report a novel near-infrared fluorescent calcium probe (KFCA), which has good optical properties such as intense NIR fluorescence emission (670 nm, QY: 0.24), excellent ON/OFF ratio (120-fold), and good wavelength-compatibility with visible-light-emissive fluorophores (Fluo-4, DsRed2), and which is applicable for real-time dual-colour intracellular Ca(2+) imaging.     

Structure Refinement and Two-Center Luminescence of Ca(3)La(3)(BO(3))(5):Ce(3+) under VUV-UV Excitation

A series of Ca(3)La(3(1-x))Ce(3x)(BO(3))(5) phosphors were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. Rietveld refinement was performed using the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, which shows occupation of Ce(3+) on both Ca(2+) and La(3+) sites with a preferred location on the La(3+) site over the Ca(2+) site. The prepared samples contain minor second phase LaBO(3) with contents of ～0.64-3.27 wt % from the Rietveld analysis. LaBO(3):1%Ce(3+) was prepared as a single phase material and its excitation and emission bands were determined for identifying the influence of impurity LaBO(3):Ce(3+) luminescence on the spectra of the Ca(3)La(3(1-x))Ce(3x)(BO(3))(5) samples. The luminescence properties of Ca(3)La(3(1-x))Ce(3x)(BO(3))(5) samples under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and UV excitation were investigated, which exhibited two-center luminescence of Ce(3+), assigned to the Ce(1)(3+) center in the La(3+) site and Ce(2)(3+) center in the Ca(2+) site, taking into account the spectroscopic properties and the Rietveld refinement results. The influences of the doping concentration and the excitation wavelength on the luminescence of Ce(3+) in Ca(3)La(3(1-x))Ce(3x)(BO(3))(5) are discussed together with the decay characteristics.     

An extremely stable host-guest complex that functions as a fluorescence probe for calcium ions

Herein, we report a crown ether based molecular cage that forms extremely stable supramolecular complexes with dimethyldiazapyrenium (DMDAP) ions in CD(3)CN through the collaboration of multiple weak C-HO hydrogen bonds. The very strong binding affinity in this host-guest system allows the molecular cage to bleach the fluorescence signal of DMDAP substantially in equimolar solutions at concentrations as low as 1 x 10(-5) M. Remarkably, a 1x10(-5) M equimolar solution of the molecular cage and DMDAP is highly selective toward Ca(2+) ions-relative to other biologically important Li(+), Na(+), K(+), and Mg(2+) ions-and causes a substantial increase in the fluorescence intensity of the solution. As a result, this molecular cage/DMDAP complex behaves as a supramolecular fluorescence probe for the detection of Ca(2+) ions in solution.     

Two-photon excited fluorescent chemosensor for homogeneous determination of copper(II) in aqueous media and complicated biological matrix

In the present work, a two-photon excited fluorescent chemosensor for Cu(2+) was prepared. The probe was constructed on the basis of internal charge transfer (ICT) principle with macrocyclic dioxotetraamine as the Cu(2+) receptor. The good water-solubility of the molecule enabled recognition and assay of Cu(2+) ions in biological media. The photophysical properties of the chemosensor were investigated in detail, exhibiting favorable fluorescence quantum yield and moderate two-photon absorption cross-section. The studies on binding thermodynamics demonstrated the formation of 1?:?1 complex between the chemosensor and Cu(2+) and an association constant of ca. 1.04 × 10(5) M(-1). Due to the rational design of the molecular structure, the sensor was highly specific to Cu(2+), which ensured high selectivity in Cu(2+) determination. Upon Cu(2+) binding, the intramolecular charge-transfer extent within the chromophore was weakened resulting in a remarkable quenching of fluorescence, based on which quantitative determination of Cu(2+) was performed. Good linearity was obtained between the fluorescence quenching value and Cu(2+) concentration ranging from 0.04 to 2.0 μM in aqueous solution. Benefiting from the merits of two-photon excitation, the chemosensor was free of interference from background luminescence in serum. A homogeneous quantitative determination of Cu(2+) was achieved in the serum medium with a linear range of 0.04 to 2.0 μM. Considering the structural flexibility of the sensor, this work also opens up the possibility to construct other two-photon excited chemosensors for direct homogeneous assay of various molecules/ions in complicated biological sample matrices.     

Metal ion sensing novel calix[4]crown fluoroionophore with a two-photon absorption property

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene-based fluorescent chemosensors bearing two-photon absorbing chromophores have been synthesized, and their sensing behaviors toward metal ions were investigated via absorption band shifts as well as one- and two-photon fluorescence changes. Free ligands absorb the light at 461 nm and weakly emit their fluorescence at 600 nm when excited by UV-vis radiation at 461 nm, but no two-photon excited fluorescence is emitted by excitation at 780 nm. Addition of an Al(3+) or Pb(2+) ion to a solution of the ligand causes a blue-shifted absorption and enhanced fluorescence due to a declined resonance energy transfer (RET) upon excitation by one- and two-photon processes. Addition of a Pb(2+) ion to a solution of 1.K(+) results in a higher fluorescence intensity than the original 1.Pb(2+) complex regardless of one- or two-photon excitation, due to the allosteric effect induced by the complexation of K(+) with a crown loop.     

Ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy of a calcium-ion indicator dye

The spectroscopic properties of Calcium Green 2 (CG-2), a dual-fluorophore Ca(2+) indicator dye, were characterized by a combination of steady state and time-resolved ensemble spectroscopic measurements, molecular mechanics calculations and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that in Ca(2+) free solutions, CG-2 exists primarily as a highly quenched intramolecular dimer, but when bound to Ca(2+), the molecule adopts an extended, fluorescent conformation. The difference in emission properties of these two CG-2 conformations is explained in terms of simple exciton theory. Through single-molecule fluorescence measurements, we have shown that the bulk increase in ensemble fluorescence intensity correlates with a simple statistical increase in the number of fluorescent molecules in solution. In addition, we have also observed that the majority of CG-2 molecules photobleach in a single step, despite the molecule possessing two distinct fluorophores. A small fraction of molecules photobleach in multiple steps or show a series of transitions between emissive and nonemissive fluorescent states ("blinking"). We rationalize these photophysical phenomena using a simple model based on dipole-dipole F?rster coupling between fluorophores in conjunction with irreversible photodamage to one of the constituent chromophores.     

The Role of Lateral Tension in Calcium-Induced DPPS Vesicle Rupture

We assess the role of lateral tension in rupturing anionic dipalmitoylphosphatidyserine (DPPS), neutral dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and mixed DPPS-DPPC vesicles. Binding of Ca(2+) is known to have a significant impact on the effective size of DPPS lipids and little effect on the size of DPPC lipids in bilayer structures. In the present work we utilized laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) to assess the effect of Ca(2+)-induced stress on the stability of the DPPS and DPPC vesicles. The high sensitivity and resolution of LTS has permitted the determination of the size and shape of liposomes in solution. The results indicate a critical size after which DPPS single shell vesicles are no longer stable. Our measurements indicate Ca(2+) promotes bilayer fusion up to a maximum diameter of ca. 320 nm. These observations are consistent with a straightforward free-energy-based model of vesicle rupture involving lateral tension between lipids regulated by the binding of Ca(2+). Our results support a critical role of lateral interactions within lipid bilayers for controlling such processes as the formation of supported bilayer membranes and pore formation in vesicle fusion. Using this free energy model we are able to infer a lower bound for the area dilation modulus for DPPS (252 pN/nm) and demonstrate a substantial free energy increase associated with vesicle rupture.