Lysosome targeting fluorescence probe for imaging intracellular thiols

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Intracellular thiols play crucial roles in cellular signaling and redox homeostasis.
• Developing selective and sensitive probes for thiol detection is vital for understanding cellular processes.
• Lysosomal function and thiol levels are implicated in various pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a BODIPY-based fluorescence turn-on probe for detecting intracellular thiols.
• To evaluate the probe's selectivity, sensitivity, and response time towards biothiols.
• To confirm the probe's specific localization within cellular lysosomes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel BODIPY derivative.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy to assess probe response to thiols in aqueous solutions.
• Confocal microscopy for intracellular imaging and colocalization studies with LysoSensor Green.

Main Results:

• The BODIPY probe exhibited a fluorescence turn-on response.
• High selectivity and sensitivity towards intracellular thiols were observed.
• The probe demonstrated a rapid response to biothiols in aqueous media.
• Intracellular studies confirmed excellent lysosomal localization, validated by colocalization with LysoSensor Green.

Conclusions:

• The developed BODIPY probe is a valuable tool for sensitive and selective detection of intracellular thiols.
• The probe's lysosomal localization facilitates studies on thiol-dependent processes within this organelle.
• This probe offers potential for monitoring cellular redox status and lysosomal function.