A Reversible Fluorescent Probe for Real‐Time Live‐Cell Imaging and Quantification of Endogenous Hydropolysulfides

Abstract The chemical biology of reactive sulfur species, including hydropolysulfides, has been a subject undergoing intense study in recent years, but further understanding of their “intact” function in living cells has been limited owing to a lack of appropriate analytical tools. In order to overcome this limitation, we developed a new type of fluorescent probe that reversibly and selectively reacts to hydropolysulfides. The probe enables live‐cell visualization and quantification of endogenous hydropolysulfides without interference from intrinsic thiol species such as glutathione. Additionally, real‐time reversible monitoring of oxidative‐stress‐induced fluctuation of intrinsic hydropolysulfides has been achieved with a temporal resolution on the order of seconds, a result which has not yet been realized using conventional methods. These results reveal the probe's versatility as a new fluorescence imaging tool to understand the function of intracellular hydropolysulfides.