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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice
Published on: November 22, 2017
17.6K
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
Summary
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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