A Mitochondrion- targetable Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Viscosity in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cells

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2025

Department

Department of Chemistry; Health Research Institute

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly prevalent global health concern, yet its early diagnosis remains challenging due to limitations in detection methods and sensitivity. Additionally, the scarcity of genetic studies on NAFLD hinders a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis. Viscosity, a key component of the cellular microenvironment, plays a crucial role in NAFLD progression. Here, we report a dual-channel ratiometric fluorescent probe (Probe A) based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and molecular rotor mechanisms for viscosity sensing. Probe A exhibits ratiometric fluorescence at 594 nm and 472 nm in response to viscosity changes and selectively localizes to mitochondria. It successfully detected cellular viscosity alterations induced by nystatin and provided rapid, sensitive monitoring of viscosity changes in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced NAFLD cell models, offering a promising tool for early NAFLD diagnosis. This represents the first fluorescent probe to investigate the relationship between complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6) and NAFLD, providing new insights genetic studies into NAFLD pathogenesis.

Publisher's Statement

© 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Publication Title

Microchemical Journal

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