In situ visualization and detection of protein sulfenylation responses in living cells through a dimedone-based fluorescent probe.

Sulfenylation is one of the reversible post-translational modifications, playing significant roles in cellular redox homeostasis and signaling systems. Herein, small fluorescent probe (CPD and CPDDM) based live-cell labelling technology for the visualization of protein sulfenylation responses in living cells has been developed. This approach enables the detection of protein sulfenylation without the need for cell lysis, fixation or purification, and permits the noninvasive study of protein sulfenylation in live cells through the direct fluorescent readout. This technology also can realize dynamic tracking of protein sulfenylation in situ with minimal perturbation to sulfenylated proteins and less interference with cellular function. Information on the global distribution and dynamic changes of endogenous protein sulfenylation has been obtained.