Simultaneous dual-colour tracking lipid droplets and lysosomes dynamics using a fluorescent probe

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Small molecule fluorescent probes typically localize to a single cellular compartment.
• Simultaneous, high-specificity labeling of multiple organelles by a single probe is rare.
• Understanding organelle dynamics requires advanced imaging tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fluorescent probe for simultaneous and specific labeling of lipid droplets and lysosomes.
• To enable advanced imaging techniques for these organelles.
• To investigate the dynamics of lipid droplets and lysosomes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of a naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe (NIM-7).
• In vitro and in vivo fluorescence microscopy of NIM-7 in various cell lines and zebrafish embryos.
• 3D imaging, quantitative analysis, and real-time tracking of organelle movement.

Main Results:

• NIM-7 selectively labels both lipid droplets and lysosomes simultaneously with high specificity.
• The probe emits distinct yellow and red fluorescence, allowing for multicolor imaging.
• NIM-7 facilitates 3D imaging, quantitative visualization, and real-time tracking of organelle dynamics.
• The probe is effective in diverse cell lines and zebrafish embryos.

Conclusions:

• NIM-7 is a highly specific, dual-organelle fluorescent probe for lipid droplets and lysosomes.
• This probe offers a powerful tool for advanced cellular imaging and biological studies.
• NIM-7 enables simultaneous visualization and tracking of organelle interactions and dynamics.