COX-2 targeting indomethacin conjugated fluorescent probe

Abstract

The COX-2 targeting indomethacin-conjugated fluorescent probe IQ-1 was synthesized newly for selective fluorescence imaging of cancer cells over normal cells. IQ-1 caused stronger fluorescencc imaging of COX-2 overexpressing cancer cells (OVCAR3, HepG2 and Hela cells) than of normal cell lines (RAW 246.7 and fibroblast cells). LPS, an oxidative stress agent, treated inflamed cell lines inducing high COX-2 levels also revealed an enhanced fluorescence. In inhibitory studies, a markedly reducd fluorescence intensity was observed in cancer cells co-treated with an inhibitor, such as indomethacin and aceclofenac. Therefore, IQ-1 can be used as a selective bioimaging agent for cancer cells over normal cells, and could be developed for efficient diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in precision medicine.