Application of a fluorescent H2S probe based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer for detecting latent mechanism of H2S-induced MCF-7 apoptosis

Background: H2S is the third gas transmitter affecting the growth, reproduction and survival of cancer cells. However, the H2S anticancer and antitumor mechanism still needs to be further studied. Methods: Here, FHS-1 was synthesized utilizing excited-state intramolecular proton transfer to detect H2S in MCF-7 cells, and investigated the effects of varying concentrations NaHS on apoptosis. Results: The study found that FHS-1 detects H2S levels with high selectivity and pH stability and that H2S may regulate apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through the p53/mTOR/STAT3 pathway. Conclusion: Researching the influence of H2S on apoptosis can serve as a theoretical foundation for future research into H2S-related anticancer medicines, and the H2S probe can be used as an effective cancer screening tool.Graphical abstract