Visualize Embryogenesis and Cell Fate Using Fluorescent Probes with Aggregation-Induced Emission.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Traditional lineage tracing methods like horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and dextran conjugates have limitations.
• HRP is susceptible to degradation, and dextrans can cause immune responses.
• Small molecule tracers often diffuse, leading to inaccurate lineage information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel small-molecule tracer for accurate embryonic cell lineage tracing.
• To overcome the limitations of existing tracers, such as diffusion and signal degradation.
• To create a tracer that remains localized within cells and provides strong, persistent signals.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of a small-molecular-weight fluorogen utilizing aggregation-induced emission (AIEgen).
• Injection of the AIEgen into ancestor cells for embryonic cell tracing.
• Evaluation of tracer retention, signal intensity, and accuracy in tracing cell progeny.

Main Results:

• The developed AIEgen is successfully entrapped in ancestor cells due to its hydrophilic and neutral arms, preventing leakage.
• AIEgen exhibits strong signals against tracer dilution caused by cell division.
• High operating concentrations are feasible, leading to bright signals in daughter cells, unlike aggregation-caused quenching fluorogens.
• The tracer accurately identifies progenies of injected ancestor cells.

Conclusions:

• The novel AIEgen is a superior tool for embryonic cell lineage tracing compared to traditional methods.
• This tracer effectively prevents signal degradation and dilution, enabling precise long-term lineage analysis.
• The AIEgen technology offers a promising advancement for studying developmental processes and cell fate.