An activatable molecular probe for early detection of obesity-associated aminopeptidase N activity in vivo and in serum

Abstract

This study develops an activatable optical probe (APNP) for specific detection of aminopeptidase N (APN), a key enzyme in obesity progression. APNP demonstrates high sensitivity, selectivity, and pH stability, enabling real-time monitoring of APN activity in vivo. Using diet-induced obese mice, we show APNP can detect metabolic dysfunction before histological changes occur, highlighting its diagnostic potential.