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A multipurpose mitochondrial NIR probe for imaging ferroptosis and mitophagy

Deeksha Rajput1, Nachiket Pradhan1, Shabnam Mansuri1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India. sriram@iitgn.ac.in.

Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed novel di-cationic fluorophores for live-cell imaging of mitochondria. These probes enable visualization of viscosity, ferroptosis, and mitophagy without relying on mitochondrial membrane potential.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Mitochondria are crucial organelles involved in cellular respiration and various physiological processes.
  • Visualizing mitochondria in live cells often relies on membrane potential, limiting applications.
  • Novel fluorescent probes are needed for advanced mitochondrial studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and characterize novel di-cationic fluorophores for live-cell mitochondrial imaging.
  • To investigate the potential of these fluorophores in monitoring cellular viscosity, ferroptosis, and mitophagy.
  • To assess the utility of the probes for tracking lysosomal uptake of damaged mitochondria.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of di-cationic fluorophores (PP and NP) based on DQAsomes with specific structural features for mitochondrial targeting.
  • Characterization of photophysical properties, including emission wavelengths and Stokes shift.
  • Application of fluorophores for live-cell imaging to monitor mitochondrial dynamics and cellular events.

Main Results:

  • Successful synthesis of di-cationic fluorophores with emission >600 nm and large Stokes shifts (130-211 nm).
  • Near-infrared emission observed for the NP fluorophore (∼690 nm).
  • Demonstrated utility in visualizing mitochondria independent of membrane potential and in monitoring viscosity, ferroptosis, and mitophagy.

Conclusions:

  • The developed di-cationic fluorophores are effective tools for live-cell mitochondrial imaging.
  • These probes offer new possibilities for studying mitochondrial function and dysfunction.
  • The fluorophores show promise for investigating cellular processes like ferroptosis and mitophagy.

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