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Mitokyne: A Ratiometric Raman Probe for Mitochondrial pH
Liam T Wilson1, William J Tipping2, Corinna Wetherill2
1Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 10, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed mitokyne 1, a novel small molecule pH sensor for stimulated Raman scattering microscopy. This probe accurately measures mitochondrial pH (pHmito) changes, aiding disease research and organelle studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Mitochondrial pH (pHmito) is crucial for cellular function and its dysregulation is implicated in various diseases.
- Existing methods for monitoring pHmito have limitations in resolution and dynamic range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel small molecule pH sensor for mitochondrial pH (pHmito) applicable to stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy.
- To demonstrate the sensor's capability in detecting subtle pHmito changes in response to stimuli and inhibitors.
- To utilize the sensor for real-time monitoring of mitochondrial dynamics during mitophagy.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of mitokyne 1, a ratiometric small molecule pH probe.
- Application of mitokyne 1 in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy.
- Monitoring of pHmito in response to electron transport chain and ATP synthase inhibition.
- Time-resolved imaging of mitochondrial dynamics during mitophagy.
Main Results:
- Mitokyne 1 was successfully synthesized and functions as the first small molecule pH sensor for SRS microscopy.
- The probe accurately quantifies subtle pHmito variations induced by external stimuli and pharmacological inhibition.
- Mitokyne 1 enabled high-resolution, time-resolved visualization of mitochondrial dynamics during mitophagy.
Conclusions:
- Mitokyne 1 is a powerful new tool for precise measurement of mitochondrial pH (pHmito) using SRS microscopy.
- This sensor facilitates the study of mitochondrial function, disease mechanisms, and dynamic processes like mitophagy at the subcellular level.
