TAT Converts a Fluorophore into a Photosensitizer
Author Information
Author(s): Srinivasan Divyamani, Muthukrishnan Nandhini, Johnson Gregory A., Erazo-Oliveras Alfredo, Lim Jongdoo, Simanek Eric E., Pellois Jean-Philippe
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
Can TAT labeled with a fluorophore enhance cellular delivery and induce cell death upon light exposure?
Conclusion
TAT can convert an innocuous fluorophore into a potent photolytic agent, causing cell death through singlet oxygen production.
Supporting Evidence
- TMR-TAT causes rapid endosomal membrane disruption in the presence of light.
- Photo-induced endosomal release was observed after only a few hundred milliseconds of light exposure.
- Cells treated with TMR-TAT and irradiated showed significant membrane blebbing and cell death.
- Singlet oxygen generation was implicated in the observed cytotoxic effects.
- TMR alone did not cause cell death, indicating the necessity of TAT for the observed effects.
- Photodynamic therapy applications could benefit from the findings of this study.
Takeaway
The study shows that a special peptide can help a dye get into cells and also kill those cells when light shines on it.
Methodology
The study involved synthesizing peptides, incubating them with cells, and exposing them to light to observe effects on cell membranes and viability.
Limitations
The photocytotoxicity of TMR-TAT limits its use for delivery applications.
Participant Demographics
HeLa cells and red blood cells were used in the experiments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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