JC-1, a cationic fluorescent dye when added to living cells, is known to be localized exclusively in mitochondria, particularly in good physiological conditions characterized by sufficient mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). The accumulation of JC-1 in these organelles leads to the formation J-aggregates (with a specific red fluorescence emission maximum at 590 nm), which is in addition to the typical green fluorescence of J-monomers (emission maximum of ∼529 nm). The lack of mitochondrial ΔΨ leads to the depression of JC-1 mitochondrial accumulation and a decrease in J-aggregate formation. Therefore, the ratio between the red and green fluorescence of cells loaded with JC-1 is often used for the detection of the mitochondrial membrane potential. However, JC-1 represents a suitable substrate of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, the depression of the JC-1 content in intracellular space and particularly in the mitochondria to a level that is inefficient for J-aggregate formation could be expected in P-gp-positive cells. In the current paper, we proved this behavior on parental P-gp-negative L1210 (S) cells and their P-gp-positive variants obtained by either selection with vincristine (R) or transfection with the human gene encoding P-gp (T). P-glycoprotein inhibitors cyclosporine A and verapamil fail to restore JC-1 loading of the R and T cells to an extent similar to that observed in S cells. In contrast, the noncompetitive high affinity P-gp inhibitor tariquidar fully restored JC-1 accumulation and the presence of the typical red fluorescence of J-aggregates. In the presence of tariquidar, measurement of the JC-1 fluorescence revealed similar levels of mitochondrial membrane potential in P-gp-negative (S) and P-gp-positive cells (R and T).

Aptamers are short oligonucleotides with single-stranded regions or peptides that recently started to transform the field of diagnostics. Their unique ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity is at least comparable to many traditional biorecognition elements. Aptamers are synthetically produced, with a compact size that facilitates deeper tissue penetration and improved cellular targeting. Furthermore, they can be easily modified with various labels or functional groups, tailoring them for diverse applications. Even more uniquely, aptamers can be regenerated after use, making aptasensors a cost-effective and sustainable alternative compared to disposable biosensors. This review delves into the inherent properties of aptamers that make them advantageous in established diagnostic methods. Furthermore, we will examine some of the limitations of aptamers, such as the need to engage in bioinformatics procedures in order to understand the relationship between the structure of the aptamer and its binding abilities. The objective is to develop a targeted design for specific targets. We analyse the process of aptamer selection and design by exploring the current landscape of aptamer utilisation across various industries. Here, we illuminate the potential advantages and applications of aptamers in a range of diagnostic techniques, with a specific focus on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensors and their integration into the well-established ELISA method. This review serves as a comprehensive resource, summarising the latest knowledge and applications of aptamers, particularly highlighting their potential to revolutionise diagnostic approaches.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) of neoplastic tissues is a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy. The predominant cause of MDR is the overexpression and drug transport activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, a product of the MDR gene). P-gp is a member of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters family, with broad substrate specificity for several substances including anticancer drugs, linear and cyclic peptides, inhibitors of HIV protease, and several other substances. The development of P-gp-mediated MDR is often associated with several changes in cell structure and metabolism of resistant cells. In the present review are discussed the relations between glucosylceramide synthase activity, Pregnane X receptor and development of P-gp mediated MDR phenotype. Attention is also focused on the changes in protein kinase systems (mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase C, Akt kinase) that are associated with the development of MDR phenotype and to the possible role of these kinase cascades in modulation of P-gp expression and function. The overexpression of P-gp may be associated with changes in metabolism of sugars as well as energy production. Structural and ultrastructural characteristics of multidrug resistant cells expressing P-gp are typical for cells engaged in a metabolically demanding process of protein synthesis and transport. P-gp mediated MDR phenotype is often also associated with alterations in cytoskeletal elements, microtubule and mitochondria distribution, Golgi aparatus, chromatin texture, vacuoles and caveolae formation. The current review also aims at bringing some state-of-the-art information on interactions of P-glycoprotein with various substances. To capture and transport the numerous unrelated substances, P-gp should contain site(s) able to bind compounds with a molecular weight of several hundreds and comprising hydrophobic and/or base regions that are protonated under physiological conditions. Drug binding sites that are able to recognize substances with different chemical structures may have a complex architecture in which different parts are responsible for binding of different drugs. For P-gp substrates and inhibitors, a pharmacophore-based model has been described. The pharmacophores have to contain parts with hydrophobic and aromatic characteristics and functional groups that can act as hydrogen-bond donors and/or acceptors. Several drugs are known to be P-glycoprotein antagonizing agents. They represent a large group of structurally unrelated substances that can act via direct interaction with P-gp and inhibition of its transport activity, or via possible modulation of processes (such as phosphorylation) regulating P-gp transport activity. Effects of MDR reversal agents on the P-gp expression have also been reported. Function and expression of P-gp can be affected indirectly as well, e.g. through cyclooxygenase-2 or carbonic anhydrase-IX expression and effects.