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Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2738-7807
Short Review

Research Progress on Near-Infrared Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probes Responsive to γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase

Authors

  • Mengyao Luo

    1   College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12425)
    2   Fujian College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China

  • Changqing Ye

    3   Key Laboratory of Coal to Ethylene Glycol and Its Related Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Fuzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN58281)

  • Hongli Bao 

    4   State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12381)
    5   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
    2   Fujian College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China

Supported by: National Natural Science Foundation of China 22225107,22301302
Supported by: the Self-deployment Project Research Program of Haixi Institutes, Chinese Academy of Sciences CXZX-2022-GH03
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γ-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a kind of cell membrane-bound enzyme which plays a key role in various physiological and pathological processes. The overexpression of GGT is highly connected to diseases including the liver disorders, cancers, and cardiovascular conditions. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes have emerged as powerful tools for detecting and imaging GGT activity due to their deep tissue penetration, minimal autofluorescence interference, and high signal-to-noise ratio. This review summarizes recent progress in GGT-activated NIR small-molecular fluorescent probes based on fluorophores including hemicyanine, dicyanomethylene derivatives, AIEgens, cyanine derivatives and others. The design strategies, structural features and their applications in cellular, tissue are highlighted. Despite significant improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility, most probes operate in the first NIR window and still face challenges related to water solubility, targeting specificity, stability under complex physiological conditions, and clinical translation. Future efforts should be directed toward the development of NIR-II (1000–1700 nm) probes, optimization of their physicochemical properties, and the advancement of their applications in deep-tissue imaging, as well as in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.



Publication History

Received: 08 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 04 November 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 November 2025

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