Measuring fluorescent L-glucose analog (2-NBDLG) uptake in different cell lines

Abstract

This thesis investigates the uptake mechanisms of the fluorescent L-glucose analog 2-NBDLG in comparison to its D-glucose counterpart 2-NBDG across different cell lines. Focusing on cancer (HeLa, SK-BR-3) and immortalized (CHO) cells, using confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis. The research examines how endocytosis inhibitors (Monensin and Filipin III) affect the cellular uptake of these analogs. Aiming to clarify whether L-glucose analogs display heterogeneous affinity for malignant cells. Results show that 2-NBDLG is taken up by cells with higher fluorescence than 2-NBDG, but the presence of endocytosis inhibitors did not significantly reduce uptake. The CHO cell line exhibited lower uptake and adaptability compared to cancer cell lines, highlighting differences in transport mechanisms between normal and malignant cells, which needs further research with more standardized protocols.