Highly Selective, Red Emitting BODIPY-Based Fluorescent Indicators for Intracellular Mg2+ Imaging
Qitian Lin1, Daniela Buccella1
1Department of Chemistry New York University, NY 10003, USA.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|February 12, 2019
Summary
New fluorescent sensors, MagQ1 and MagQ2, offer high selectivity for magnesium ions (Mg2+) over calcium (Ca2+). MagQ2 demonstrates superior cellular retention for accurate live-cell imaging of Mg2+ dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Biology
- Molecular Imaging
- Biophysical Chemistry
Background:
- Existing fluorescent indicators for Mg2+ lack selectivity, particularly against Ca2+, hindering accurate cellular concentration measurements.
- Divalent cations like Mg2+ and Ca2+ play critical roles in cellular signaling and metabolism, necessitating precise monitoring tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, highly selective fluorescent sensors for intracellular Mg2+ detection.
- To engineer sensors with improved photophysical properties and enhanced cellular retention for live-cell imaging.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of alkoxystyryl-functionalized BODIPY fluorophores coupled with a 4-oxo-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxylic acid metal binding moiety.
- Photophysical characterization (absorption, emission, quantum yield) and selectivity assays against various divalent cations.
- Evaluation of cellular retention and Mg2+ sensing in live cells using fluorescence imaging, including assessment of functionalization effects (e.g., triethyleneglycol).
Main Results:
- Developed MagQ1 and MagQ2 sensors with absorption/emission maxima >600 nm and significant fluorescence enhancement upon Mg2+ binding.
- Demonstrated high selectivity for Mg2+ over other divalent cations, with minimal pH dependence in physiological ranges.
- Identified triethyleneglycol (TEG) functionalization in MagQ2 as key to superior intracellular retention and reduced dye leakage.
Conclusions:
- MagQ1 and MagQ2 represent a new class of highly selective fluorescent Mg2+ indicators.
- MagQ2, with its enhanced cellular retention, is suitable for reliable fluorescence imaging of cellular Mg2+ influx, even in the presence of high Ca2+ concentrations.
- These sensors overcome limitations of previous indicators, enabling more accurate studies of Mg2+ roles in cellular processes.
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