A Molecular Detector that Reveals Hidden Cell Activity and Monitors Health

A team of scientists has developed a new method to pinpoint exactly where different types of molecules are located inside living cells. This matters because the location of molecules like RNAs and proteins is closely tied to how they function, and when they end up in the wrong place, it can lead to diseases like cancer.

The new technique uses specially designed small molecules, called SeNB derivatives, which act like tiny molecular flashlights. When activated by a gentle, deep-penetrating near-infrared light, these molecules produce a reactive form of oxygen that tags nearby RNAs and proteins. One major advantage is that these molecules naturally accumulate in the fatty membranes of various cellular components, such as the energy-producing mitochondria or the protein-synthesis apparatus, allowing for precise, location-specific tagging.

This method works without requiring genetic modification of the cells, making it a simpler and more versatile tool. It allows researchers to create detailed maps of the molecular landscape within cells, which could yield new insights into cellular health, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments.

Researchers // Professor Ying LI, Assistant Professor of the Department of Chemistry, her PhD student Jinghua HAN and Former PhD student Dr Han JIA

Journal paper: Small-Molecule Benzo-Phenoselenazine Derivatives for Multi-Subcellular Biomolecule Profiling (published in Angewandte Chemie, 2024)