QTZ-NTR

QTZ-NTR is a bioluminescent imaging probe developed for the real-time detection and monitoring of nitroreductase (NTR) activity, a key biomarker for hypoxia in tumor microenvironments. It is specifically utilized in the context of breast cancer bone metastasis. The probe is based on a quinolizino-luciferin (QTZ) scaffold that is 'caged' with an NTR-responsive aromatic nitro recognition group. In the presence of NTR, which is overexpressed in hypoxic bone metastatic lesions, the nitro group is reduced, triggering the release of the active QTZ-luciferin substrate. This substrate then reacts with the enzyme luciferase to produce a bioluminescent signal. QTZ-NTR enables high-sensitivity imaging that can differentiate between primary tumors and bone metastases and allows for the longitudinal monitoring of tumor progression in preclinical models.

Other names

Nitroreductase-sensitive bioluminescent probeQTZ-nitroreductase probe