1a Complex Research Articles

LncRNA BANCR promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via regulating Rab1A signaling.

Long non-coding RNA BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA plays bidirectional roles in human cancers. However, function and molecular mechanism of BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma still need to clarify further. Long non-coding RNA microarray assay, in situ hybridization staining, clinicopathological data analysis were performed to investigate expression pattern of BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue samples. Constructing ectopically expressed BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via plasmids or siRNAs, then changeable abilities of proliferation and motility of these cells were observed in vitro and in vivo. RNA-protein pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore potential pathways involved in BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA-based regulation of malignant progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA was identified upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue and correlated with nodal metastasis and clinical severity of patients. Overexpressed BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA increased percentage of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive cells, viability, migration, and invasion rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, while silenced BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA could observe weakened effects in vitro. Xenograft tumor formed by BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA-overexpressed cells had bigger volume, faster growth rates, higher weight, and more Ki67+ cells. Pulmonary metastasis induced by BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA-silenced cells had fewer colony nodes, Ki67+ cells, and CD31+ blood vessels. Furthermore, BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA was mainly localized in nucleus of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and bound Ras-associated binding 1A. Silencing Ras-associated binding 1A could damage mobile ability and phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor-κBin oral squamous cell carcinoma cells induced by overexpressing BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA. Opposite trend was also observed. Acting as a promoter in oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis, BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma cells proliferation and motility by regulating the BRAF-activated non-protein coding RNA/Ras-associated binding 1A complex, which activates nuclear factor-κBsignaling pathway.

Chiral Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Norrish Type II Cyclization to Synthesize α-Oxazolidinones via Enantioselective Protonation

Chiral Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Norrish Type II Cyclization to Synthesize α-Oxazolidinones via Enantioselective Protonation

The effect of genotype variation and M423 resistance mutations to the binding of phosphonomidate-based inhibitor IDX17119 with the thumb-II domain of Hepatitis C virus RdRp: an integrated molecular dynamics and binding free energy study

ABSTRACT The IDX17119 is a phosphonomidate-based pan-genotypic non-nucleoside inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS5B RdRp thumb-II domain. IDX17119 exhibits significant antiviral activity against HCV genotype (GT) 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a. The molecular docking analysis was performed to understand the binding and intermolecular interactions of the IDX17119 molecule at the thumb-II domain of 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a GT NS5B RdRps. The molecular dynamics simulation has been performed to determine the stability of the ligand–protein complexes. We found GT 1a complex is relatively stable compared with other drug-receptor complexes. The binding free energy calculations and free energy decomposition analysis were carried out for all the complexes, the result revealed that the increase in the unfavourable polar contribution affects the binding of IDX17119 with GT 2a NS5B RdRp compared with all other complexes. In addition to this, the effect of mutation at M423 site (M423T/V) alters the conformation and activity of the IDX17119 molecule.

Synthesis of Pd+2 complexes of Schiff bases containing methyl 2-amino-6-benzyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate and spectral and catalytic activities

Here in, ONS-donor atom containing Schiff base ligands (1, 2) was used to prepare 1a and 2a complexes. The Schiff base ligands were synthesized using 2...hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and 4-benzoxybenzaldehyde with methyl 2-amino-6-benzyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate as precursors in ethanol medium. Pd(II) complexes (1a, 2a) were prepared using the corresponding [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] and Schiff base in a (1:1) molar proportion. The Schiff bases (1, 2) and their Pd(II) complexes (1a, 2a) were then identified via various analytical/spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C) NMR, UV- Vis spectra, FT-IR, mass, TGA and CHNS to determine their molecular structures. Finally, the results obtained based on Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions show that electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents on the aryl halide might produce coupling products in excellent yield in the presence of 1a, 2a complexes (as catalysts) under optimum conditions.

Multistimuli-Responsive Properties of Aggregated Isocyanide Cycloplatinated(II) Complexes

Here, we describe the neutral cyclometalated tert-butylisocyanide PtII complexes, [Pt(C∧N)Cl(CNBut)] 1, the double salts [Pt(C∧N)(CNBut)2][Pt(C∧N)Cl2] 2, and the cationic complexes [Pt(C∧N)(CNBut)2]ClO43 [C∧N = difluorophenylpyridine (dfppy, a), 4-(2-pyridyl)benzaldehyde (ppy-CHO, b)]. A comparative study of the pseudopolymorphs 1a, 1a·CHCl3, 1b, 1b·0.5Toluene, 1b·0.5PhF, and 3a·0.25CH2Cl2 reveals strong aggregation through Pt···Pt and/or π···π stacking interactions to give a variety of distinctive one-dimensional (1D) infinite chains, which modulate the photoluminescent properties. This intermolecular long-range aggregate formation is the main origin of the photoluminescent behavior of 1a and 1b complexes, which exhibit highly sensitive and reversible responses to multiple external stimuli including different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, temperatures, and pressures, with distinct color and phosphorescent color switching from green to red. Furthermore, complex 1b undergoes supramolecular self-assembly via Pt···Pt and/or π···π interactions into a polymer thin polystyrene (PS) film 10 wt % in response to toluene vapors, and 3a exhibits vapochromic and vapoluminescent behavior. Theoretical simulations on the dimer, trimer, and tetramer models of 1a and 1b have been carried out to get insight into the photophysical properties in the aggregated solid state.

C–H⋯S Hydrogen Bond Assisted Supramolecular Encapsulation of Fullerenes with Nanobelts

C–H⋯S Hydrogen Bond Assisted Supramolecular Encapsulation of Fullerenes with Nanobelts

Palladium(II) complexes bearing N,O-bidentate Schiff base ligands: Experimental, in-silico, antibacterial, and catalytic properties

Two N,O-bidentate ligands (1, 2), and their Pd(II) complexes, (1a, 2a) were synthesized and characterized via elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, magnetic moment and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that 1a crystallized as a monoclinic system in P2(1)/c space group, where two ligand 1 moieties coordinate to one palladium(II) centre through imine N and phenolic O donor atoms in a bis-bidentate manner, manifesting in a square planar geometry. The experimental spectral data of 1 and 1a were in good agreement with the calculated ones obtained in gas phase and polarizable continuum model (PCM) at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. The experimental spectroscopic and Z-matrix data were also well reproduced with high correlation coefficients. The intercontact between 1a complex units was determined through Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrostatic potentials (ESP) maps, showing that the most predominant interactions were H…H (53.4%), C…H (25.3%) and O…H (12.6%). 1 and 1a were screened in-vitro to evaluate their antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive (S. aureus, S. haemolyticus) and two Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa, S. sonnei) bacteria. The antibacterial results revealed that 1a exhibited slight activity against Gram-negative bacteria, while the free ligand displayed no activity. The catalytic efficiency of 1a and 2a was evaluated in Mizoroki-Heck reaction of iodobenzene and methyl acrylate, and Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of iodobenzene and phenylboronic acid. Both catalysts resulted in good conversion percentages with 1a showing a more superior performance.

Resonance Raman Excitation Profiles of Fe(II)-Terpyridine Complexes: Electronic Effects of Ligand Modifications.

Metal 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy) complexes are readily used as building blocks in metallo-supramolecular polymers that stand out for their photophysical properties in solar energy assemblies. Furthermore, Resonance Raman (RR) excitation profiles are sensitive indicators of the electronic properties of chromophores. Previously, using RR spectroscopy, we studied the [Fe(tpy)2]2+ complex and metallo-supramolecular polymers formed by tpy derivatives and Fe(II) ions. Here, we compare RR spectra of iron (Fe(II)) complexes with 4'-substituted tpy ligands─[Fe(4'-R-tpy)2]2+, with R = H (1a), Cl (2a), 4-chlorophenyl (3a), and 2-thienyl (4a) to describe changes in their electronic structure after functionalization. By combining theoretical calculations, RR, and UV/vis spectra, we elucidated differences in the RR excitation profiles of 1a, 2a, and 4a complexes. In all Raman modes, complexes 1a and 2a showed maximal enhancement only at 532 nm excitation, whereas complex 4a exhibited maximal enhancement selectively at either 532 or 633 nm excitations. Based on our calculations, the mixed metal/ligand character of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of 4a complex manifests itself through selective enhancement of vibration modes, mainly localized on the 2-thienyl unit at 633 nm excitation, which may explain the unique behavior of this complex. Therefore, complex 4a is a prospective candidate for further detailed photophysical explorations toward developing sensitizers for solar cells.

Side-Arm Assisted Anilido-Imine Based Rare-Earth Metal Complexes for Isoprene Stereoselective Polymerization.

Anilido-imine ligands o-C6H4(NHAr1)(CH=NAr2), in which Ar1 is 2,6-diisopropylbenzyl group and Ar2 contains fluorine (HL1) or methoxyl (HL2) group on ortho-position of phenyl substituent, were synthesized for constructing rare-earth metals based complexes of 1a–1c (HL1 based Sc, Lu, Y) and 2a–2c (HL2 based Sc, Lu, Y). Based on their NMR spectra and X-ray single-crystal structures, the side-arm group of -F and -OMe is identified to chelate to the corresponding central metal. The twisted angles between two planes formed by chelated heteroatoms (N, N, F for HL1 and N, N, O for HL2) are observed, in which the largest dihedral angle (53.3°) for HL1-Y and the smallest dihedral angle (44.32°) for HL2-Sc are detected. After being activated by AliBu3 and [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], these catalysts showed great activity for isoprene polymerization. Bearing the same ligand HL1, smaller scandium based complex 1a and middle size of lutetium based 1b provided lower cis-1,4-selectivity (57.3% and 64.2%), larger yttrium complex 1c displayed high cis-1,4-selectivity (84%). Chelating by crowded HL2, small size of scandium complex 2a provided impressive trans-1,4-selectivity (93.0%), middle lutetium based 2b displayed non-selectivity and larger yttrium complex 2c showed clear cis-1,4-selectivity (83.3%). Moreover, 2a/AliBu3 system showed the quasi-living chain transfer capability.

Photochemical Reactivity of Naphthol-Naphthalimide Conjugates and Their Biological Activity.

Quinone methide precursors 1a–e, with different alkyl linkers between the naphthol and the naphthalimide chromophore, were synthesized. Their photophysical properties and photochemical reactivity were investigated and connected with biological activity. Upon excitation of the naphthol, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to the naphthalimide takes place and the quantum yields of fluorescence are low (ΦF ≈ 10−2). Due to FRET, photodehydration of naphthols to QMs takes place inefficiently (ΦR ≈ 10−5). However, the formation of QMs can also be initiated upon excitation of naphthalimide, the lower energy chromophore, in a process that involves photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the naphthol to the naphthalimide. Fluorescence titrations revealed that 1a and 1e form complexes with ct-DNA with moderate association constants Ka ≈ 105–106 M−1, as well as with bovine serum albumin (BSA) Ka ≈ 105 M−1 (1:1 complex). The irradiation of the complex 1e@BSA resulted in the alkylation of the protein, probably via QM. The antiproliferative activity of 1a–e against two human cancer cell lines (H460 and MCF 7) was investigated with the cells kept in the dark or irradiated at 350 nm, whereupon cytotoxicity increased, particularly for 1e (>100 times). Although the enhancement of this activity upon UV irradiation has no imminent therapeutic application, the results presented have importance in the rational design of new generations of anticancer phototherapeutics that absorb visible light.

Estimating Effective Steric and Electronic Impacts of a Ferrocenyl Group in Organophosphines.

A series of monodentate ferrocenylphosphines, Fc3P (1a), Fc2PhP (1b), and Fc2ArP (1c; Fc = ferrocenyl, Ar = 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl), were prepared, and their electronic and steric properties were quantitatively determined. By the IR measurements of their respective Ni(CO)3(phosphine) complexes, the electronic properties of the ferrocenyl group in organophosphines were estimated to be similar to those of primary alkyl groups. The ferrocenyl group is a better electron donor than a methyl group and a poorer donor than an ethyl group. The gold(I) chloride complexes of 1a–c were prepared and their X-ray crystal structures were determined. The %Vbur parameters for 1a–c were calculated using the X-ray structural data, and their ″Tolman cone angles″ were estimated. The steric influence of the ferrocenyl group in organophosphines was clarified to be larger than those of cyclohexyl, tert-butyl, and o-tolyl groups and is comparable to that of a mesityl group.

Mechanistic study of the trans,cis,cis-[RuCl2(DMSO)2(H2O)2] complex photochemistry in aqueous solutions.

It is known that trans,cis,cis-[RuCl2(DMSO)2(H2O)2] (1a) complexes, which are formed upon dissolution of trans-[RuCl2(DMSO)4] in water, demonstrate light-induced cytotoxicity. The mechanistic study of 1a photochemistry has been performed using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, laser flash photolysis and stationary photolysis. The first stage of 1a photochemistry is the photoexchange of a DMSO ligand to a water molecule; its quantum yield is wavelength-dependent (estimating by values 0.3 and 0.04 upon irradiation at 308 and 430 nm, respectively). The mechanism of photoexchange is complicated involving at least four Ru(ii) intermediates. Two tentative mechanisms of the process are proposed.

De novo STXBP1 mutation in a child with developmental delay and spasticity reveals a major structural alteration in the interface with syntaxin 1A

STXBP1, also known as Munc-18, is a master regulator of neurotransmitter release and synaptic function in the human brain through its direct interaction with syntaxin 1A. STXBP1 binds syntaxin 1A is an inactive conformational state. STXBP1 decreases its binding affinity to syntaxin upon phosphorylation, enabling syntaxin 1A to engage in the SNARE complex, leading to neurotransmitter release. STXBP1-related disorders are well characterized by encephalopathy with epilepsy, and a diverse range of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Through exome sequencing of a child with developmental delay, hypotonia, and spasticity, we found a novel de novo insertion mutation of three nucleotides in the STXBP1 coding region, resulting in an additional arginine after position 39 (R39dup). Inconclusive results from state-of-the-art variant prediction tools mandated a structure-based approach using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the STXBP1-syntaxin 1A complex. Comparison of the interaction interfaces of the wild-type and the R39dup complexes revealed a reduced interaction surface area in the mutant, leading to destabilization of the protein complex. Moreover, the decrease in affinity toward syntaxin 1A is similar for the phosphorylated STXBP1 and the R39dup. We applied the same MD methodology to seven additional previously reported STXBP1 mutations and reveal that the stability of the STXBP1-syntaxin 1A interface correlates with the reported clinical phenotypes. This study provides a direct link between the outcome of a novel variant in STXBP1 and protein structure and dynamics. The structural change upon mutation drives an alteration in synaptic function.

Singlet oxygen stimulus for switchable functional organic cages.

Molecular cages 1a and 2a incorporating a 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) chromophore were synthesized through a templated ring-closure metathesis approach that allows variation in cavity size through the introduction of up to three different pillars. Reversible Diels–Alder reaction between the DPA moiety and photogenerated singlet oxygen smoothly converted 1a and 2a to the corresponding endoperoxide cages 1b and 2b, which are converted back to 1a and 2a upon heating. Endoperoxide formation constitutes a reversible covalent signal that combines structural changes in the interior of the cage with introduction of two additional coordination sites. This results in a large modulation of the binding ability of the receptors attributed to a change in the location of the preferred binding site owing to the added coordination by the endoperoxide oxygen lone pairs. Cages 1a and 2a form complexes with sodium and cesium whose association constants are modified by 4–20 fold for Na+ and 200–450 fold for Cs+ upon conversion to 1b and 2b. DFT calculations show that in the anthracene form, cages 1a and 2a can bind 2 metal cations in their periphery so that each cation is coordinated by 4 oxygens and one amine nitrogen, whereas the endoperoxide cages 1b and 2b bind cations centrally in a geometry that favors coordination to the endoperoxide oxygens.

Design and fabrication of novel thiourea coordination compounds as potent inhibitors of bacterial growth.

A new thiourea ligand (HL), namely N-(4-chlorophenyl)morpholine-4-carbothioamide and its Co(III), Ni(II) and Ag(I) complexes (1a, 1b and 1c) were synthesized and investigated by Fourier-transform infrared, 1H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopies. The compounds HL and 1c were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealing the triclinic space group P[Formula: see text] for both compounds. The inhibitory effect of HL ligand, 1a, 1b, and 1c complexes was investigated with in vitro tests on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For the 1c complex, the results showed that the coordination of the HL to Ag(I) ion increased its antibacterial effect especially against E. coli. The assays also indicated that for the same bacteria strains, the new complexes showed higher activity than the ligand, with the relative activity 1c > 1b > 1a > HL. Moreover, all samples were more suitable antimicrobial agents against the Gram-negative than those of the Gram-positive bacteria. Eventually, the relationship between the structure and bactericidal activities of these specimens was examined by calculating frontier molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO) energies using density functional theory method at the 6-31 G*/LANL2DZ level of theory.

Copper(II) complexes of 7-amino-2-methylchromone and 7-aminoflavone: Magneto-structural, spectroscopic and DFT characterization

Four new complexes of copper(II) consisting of two different chromone derivatives with carbonyl and amine donor atoms: 7-aminoflavone (L1) and 7-amino-2-methylchromone (L2), were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis, FT-IR, EPR spectroscopy, MS and elemental analysis. The complexes were synthesized using 2:1 ligand-to-metal ratio, but while three products [Cu(L2)2Cl2]2 (1b), Cu(L1)2(ClO4)2(H2O)2 (2a), Cu(L2)2(ClO4)2(H2O)2 (2b) maintained the applied stoichiometry, the fourth compound showed an unexpected 1:1 ratio and was identified as [Cu(L1)Cl2]n (1a). In all four compounds, the chromone derivatives were found to act as monodentate O- or N-ligands. Interestingly, in a doubly chloro-bridged dinuclear complex 1b each Cu(II) cation interacts with one L2 ligand through the carbonyl O-donor, and with another L2 molecule through the amine N-donor, so the complex adopts a square pyramid geometry. According to a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis the complex 2b is a distorted mononuclear octahedron with the central Cu(II) cation interacting only with oxygen donors (two perchlorate anions, two L2 ligands, and two water molecules). The structural characteristics of 1a and 2a complexes were elucidated from EPR measurements, where their g-tensor components were compared to those observed for 1b and 2b, the structures of which were determined by X-ray diffraction method. DFT calculations were performed to estimate the most favored mode of coordination, whereas comparative Hirshfeld surface studies were used to characterize intermolecular interactions in the studied complexes. Magnetic interactions of 1a and 2a were also analyzed.

An Azoaromatic Ligand as Four Electron Four Proton Reservoir: Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Alcohols by Its Zinc(II) Complex.

Electroprotic storage materials, though invaluable in energy-related research, are scanty among non-natural compounds. Herein, we report a zinc(II) complex of the ligand 2,6-bis(phenylazo)pyridine (L), which acts as a multiple electron and proton reservoir during catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols to aldehydes/ketones. The redox-inactive metal ion Zn(II) serves as an oxophilic Lewis acid, while the ligand behaves as efficient storage of electron and proton. Synthesis, X-ray structure, and spectral characterizations of the catalyst, ZnLCl2 (1a) along with the two hydrogenated complexes of 1a, ZnH2LCl2 (1b), and ZnH4LCl2 (1c) are reported. It has been argued that the reversible azo-hydrazo redox couple of 1a controls aerobic dehydrogenation of alcohols. Hydrogenated complexes are hyper-reactive and quantitatively reduce O2 and para-benzoquinone to H2O2 and para-hydroquinone, respectively. Plausible mechanistic pathways for alcohol oxidation are discussed based on controlled experiments, isotope labeling, and spectral analysis of intermediates.

Highly luminescent Ln-MOFs based on 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid as bifunctional sensor

A series of lanthanide metal-organic-frameworks (Ln-MOFs) are synthesized under mild hydrothermal condition by introducing the ligand of 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid (H2ADA). They are three dimentional (3D) structures and have the formula of [Ln(ADA)1.5(phen)]n (Ln3+=Eu3+1a, Gd3+1b, Tb3+1c, La3+1d, Ce3+1e, Pr3+1f, Nd3+1g, Y3+1h; phen=1,10-phenanthroline). These Ln-MOFs are fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, TGA, EA and FT-IR. Luminescence properties, including luminescence spectra, luminescence decay lifetimes and luminescence quantum yields (QYs) are analyzed in detail. Eu3+ complex of 1a shows highly luminescence QYs of 58.61%, which due to that the triplet state of phen competes well with the excited emission state of Eu3+. Further investigation reveals that 1a is a bifunctional sensor, which can be used as a turn-off luminescence sensor for detecting Ni2+ and turn-on luminescence sensor for probing Val at the same time. Interestingly, the limit of detect (LOD) for sensing Ni2+ is an ultrahigh sensitive value of 1.0×10−9M (5.9×10−5mg/L), which is lower than the Chinese environmental quality standard (0.5mg/L of total Ni2+ content, GB25467-2010), and it is the most sensitive chemosensor for detecting Ni2+, to the best of our knowledge. Investigation also reveals there is a good linear relationship between luminescence intensity and the concentration of Ni2+ in 0.2–0.6μM. The sensing mechanism for detecting Ni2+ and Val are also discussed.

Mediator binds to boundaries of chromosomal interaction domains and to proteins involved in DNA looping, RNA metabolism, chromatin remodeling, and actin assembly.

Mediator is a multi-unit molecular complex that plays a key role in transferring signals from transcriptional regulators to RNA polymerase II in eukaryotes. We have combined biochemical purification of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator from chromatin with chromatin immunoprecipitation in order to reveal Mediator occupancy on DNA genome-wide, and to identify proteins interacting specifically with Mediator on the chromatin template. Tandem mass spectrometry of proteins in immunoprecipitates of mediator complexes revealed specific interactions between Mediator and the RSC, Arp2/Arp3, CPF, CF 1A and Lsm complexes in chromatin. These factors are primarily involved in chromatin remodeling, actin assembly, mRNA 3′-end processing, gene looping and mRNA decay, but they have also been shown to enter the nucleus and participate in Pol II transcription. Moreover, we have found that Mediator, in addition to binding Pol II promoters, occupies chromosomal interacting domain (CID) boundaries and that Mediator in chromatin associates with proteins that have been shown to interact with CID boundaries, such as Sth1, Ssu72 and histone H4. This suggests that Mediator plays a significant role in higher-order genome organization.

A novel 2-(Hydroxymethyl)quinolin-8-ol-based selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for Cd2+ ion in water and living cells

A novel probe 1a based on hydroxymethylquinolin-8-ol was designed and synthesized. Probe 1a exhibited “turn-on” fluorescence response for Cd2+ ion over other ions in aqueous solutions (almost 100% water). The association constants of probe 1a toward Cd2+ ion were found to be 9.00×104 M−1 by Benesi–Hildebrand equation (R2=0.9995) and the limit of detection was calculated to be 1.18×10−6M. The mechanism of the complexation of 1a with Cd2+ had been studied by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, FT-IR and X-ray crystal. Furthermore, in studies with living cells, probe 1a was almost no toxicity, cell-membrane-permeable and could be used to monitor Cd2+ ion in living cells.