Selective Cadmium Fluorescence Probe Based on Bis-heterocyclic Molecule and its Imaging in Cells.

Fluorescence probes that selectively image cadmium are useful for detecting and tracking the amount of Cd in cells and tissues. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel Cd fluorescence probe based on the pyridine-pyrimidine structure, 4-(methylsulfanyl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (3), as a low-molecular-weight fluorescence probe for Cd. Compound 3 could successfully discriminate between Cd and Zn and exhibited a highly selective turn-on response toward Cd over biologically related metal ions.

Synthesis of a Novel Pyrazine⁻Pyridone Biheteroaryl-Based Fluorescence Sensor and Detection of Endogenous Labile Zinc Ions in Lung Cancer Cells.

A small extent of endogenous labile zinc is involved in many vital physiological roles in living systems. However, its detailed functions have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we developed a novel biheteroaryl-based low molecular weight fluorescent sensor, 3-(phenylsulfonyl)-pyrazine-pyridone (), and applied it for the detection of endogenous labile zinc ions from lung cancer cells during apoptosis.