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A reversible frequency upconversion probe for real-time intracellular lysosome-pH detection and subcellular imaging
Zhe Dong1, Qingxin Han, Zuolin Mou
1Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metals Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province and State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China. liuws@lzu.edu.cn.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 8, 2020
Summary
A new frequency upconversion luminescence probe, NRH-Lyso, accurately detects acidic lysosomal pH. This probe offers high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling better investigation of cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Lysosomal pH is crucial for cellular functions and is typically acidic.
- Frequency upconversion luminescence offers deep tissue penetration and minimal damage for in vivo imaging.
- Developing selective probes for lysosomal pH monitoring is essential for understanding cellular physiology and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel frequency upconversion luminescence probe for sensitive and selective detection of lysosomal pH.
- To characterize the probe's response to pH changes and its selectivity against various interfering species.
- To evaluate the probe's performance in live cell imaging for lysosomal pH monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the NRH-Lyso probe by conjugating a rhodamine derivative (NRH) with a lysosome-targeting group.
- Evaluation of the probe's luminescence response to pH variations, including pKa determination.
- Testing the probe's selectivity in the presence of metal ions, anions, and small molecules.
- Live cell imaging experiments to assess lysosomal pH detection, photostability, and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- The NRH-Lyso probe exhibited an approximately 80-fold enhancement in emission intensity as pH decreased from 7.0 to 4.0.
- The probe demonstrated high sensitivity and excellent selectivity for acidic pH, with minimal interference from other species.
- Live cell imaging confirmed NRH-Lyso's ability to selectively track lysosomal pH changes with good photostability and low cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- NRH-Lyso is a novel and effective frequency upconversion luminescence probe for monitoring acidic lysosomal pH.
- The probe's structural transformation mechanism allows for significant signal amplification in response to pH changes.
- NRH-Lyso shows great potential for investigating lysosomal pH-dependent physiological and pathological processes in live cells.
