Thiol-polarity dual cascade-triggered two-photon imaging of protein unfolding for early atherosclerosis diagnosis.

ABSTRACT: Protein unfolding has emerged as a critical factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Direct visualization of unfolded proteins remains technically challenging yet critical for elucidating atherosclerosis pathogenesis and developing early diagnostic tools. Here, we report a dual-reporter unlocking two-photon fluorescence probe for dynamic tracking of unfolded proteins in early atherosclerotic plaques. The probe achieves synergistic fluorescence activation through covalent binding with exposed thiols and subsequent stabilization within the local hydrophobic microenvironment of unfolded proteins. This dual-activation property allows for precise differentiation between folded and unfolded proteins in foam cells, facilitating spatiotemporal mapping of protein disorder at var

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12617519 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature