Thiol-responsive pro-fluorophore labeling: Synthesis of a pro-fluorescent labeled oligonucleotide for monitoring cellular uptake

Abstract Pro-fluorescent labeled oligonucleotides are potential alternative tools to classical fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides for monitoring cellular uptake. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a thiol-responsive pro-fluorophore labeled oligonucleotide, and its fluorescence responsivity to glutathione in the test tube and live cells.