High-energy cryo x-ray nano-imaging at the ID16A beamline of ESRF

International audienceThe ID16A beamline at ESRF offers unique capabilities for X-ray nano-imaging, and currently produces the worlds brightest high energy diffraction-limited nanofocus. Such a nanoprobe was designed for quantitative characterization of the morphology and the elemental composition of specimens at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Billions of photons per second can be delivered in a diffraction-limited focus spot size down to 13 nm. Coherent X-ray imaging techniques, as magnified holographic-tomography and ptychographic-tomography, are implemented as well as X-ray fluorescence nanoscopy. We will show the latest developments in coherent and spectroscopic X-ray nanoimaging implemented at the ID16A beamline

Intracellular localization of an osmocenyl-tamoxifen derivative in breast cancer cells revealed by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence nanoimaging

International audienceWe have recently developed a series of tamoxifen-like metallocifens of the group-8 metals (Fe, Ru and Os) with strong antiproliferative activity on the triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). This property, not observed for the organic analog 4-hydroxytamoxifen, has been associated with the unique redox behavior of metallocenic moieties, readily affording reactive quinone methides in cancer cells. To shed light on the mechanism of action of these molecules, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) nanoimaging studies were performed on cells exposed to osmocenyltamoxifen (Oc-OH-Tam) to disclose its intracellular distribution using osmium as an intrinsic reporter. High resolution mapping of the lipophilic Oc-OH-Tam in cells, revealed its preferential accumulation in the endomembrane system encompassing endoplasmic reticulum,nuclear envelope and vesicular structures. This is consistent with the ability of the amino nitrogen chain of the compounds to be protonated at physiological pH and responsible for electrostatic interactions between Oc-OH-Tam and membranes. We propose a comprehensive scenario that provides new insight into the cellular behavior and activation of Oc-OH-Tam and advances the understanding of its mechanism of action

Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence Nanoimaging Reveal the Intracellular Localization of Potent Anticancer Drug Osmocenyl-Tamoxifen Derivative

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