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.