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Rhodamine-Based Cyclic Hydroxamate as Fluorescent pH Probe for Imaging of Lysosomes
Young Ju Kim1, Mina Jang2,3, Jongtae Roh2,4
1Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel rhodamine-based fluorescent pH probe. This probe effectively monitors acidic environments, such as lysosomes, in live cells and zebrafish.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- Cellular microenvironment monitoring is essential for understanding biological processes.
- Fluorescent pH probes are vital tools for local pH imaging.
- Rhodamine-based probes offer tunable ON/OFF fluorescence via spirolactam ring dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel rhodamine-based fluorescent pH probe with a tuned pH response.
- To investigate the utility of the modified probe for imaging acidic cellular compartments.
Main Methods:
- Modification of the rhodamine B spirolactam core by introducing N-alkyl-hydroxamic acid.
- Synthesis and characterization of the novel fluorescent probe.
- Live-cell imaging of lysosomes and in vivo imaging in zebrafish.
Main Results:
- The modified rhodamine B probe exhibits high fluorescence in acidic pH environments.
- The six-membered cyclic hydroxamate spirolactam ring enables tunable pH-dependent fluorescence.
- Successful monitoring of lysosomal pH changes in live cells and pH variations in zebrafish.
Conclusions:
- The novel rhodamine-based probe provides a sensitive tool for acidic pH monitoring.
- This probe facilitates the study of cellular pH dynamics in biological systems.
- The modified probe shows potential for various bioimaging applications.
