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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Imaging the Neutrophil Phagosome and Cytoplasm Using a Ratiometric pH Indicator
Published on: April 5, 2017
Imaging of intracellular acidic compartments with a sensitive rhodamine based fluorogenic pH sensor
Zhu Li1, Shuqi Wu, Jiahuai Han
1Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and the Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
The Analyst
|July 28, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a fluorescent probe, R6G-EDA, for tracking acidic vesicles like lysosomes and autophagosomes. This probe enables detailed observation of cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intracellular acidic compartments, including lysosomes and autophagosomes, undergo significant parameter changes during critical cellular processes like apoptosis, autophagy, and cancer metastasis.
- Accurate and reliable methods for visualizing and tracking these acidic vesicles are crucial for understanding their roles in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel fluorescent probe for selective and sensitive detection of acidic vesicles.
- To assess the probe's utility in monitoring dynamic changes in lysosome morphology during cellular events.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of N-(rhodamine 6G)-lactam-ethylenediamine (R6G-EDA).
- Utilizing R6G-EDA's pH-dependent fluorescence for selective staining of acidic vesicles (lysosomes, autophagosomes).
- Monitoring lysosome morphology changes in real-time using R6G-EDA during TNF-α-induced cell death.
Main Results:
- R6G-EDA demonstrated low background fluorescence and selective staining of lysosomes and autophagosomes.
- The probe exhibits pH-mediated ring opening, leading to fluorescence in acidic compartments.
- R6G-EDA showed long retention times in lysosomes and exceptional photostability, enabling extended observation periods.
- Lysosome morphology changes were successfully tracked over time during TNF-α triggered cell death.
Conclusions:
- R6G-EDA is a valuable tool for the selective and stable fluorescent labeling of acidic vesicles.
- The probe's properties facilitate real-time monitoring of lysosome dynamics in cellular processes.
- R6G-EDA shows significant potential for applications in cell biology research, particularly in studying apoptosis and autophagy.
