Developing a golgi-targeted fluorescent probe for in situ visualization of the dynamic changes of H₂S in cellular...

The Golgi apparatus, as a crucial component of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells, serves as a central hub for intracellular macromolecular transport, playing a key role in receiving, modifying, and transporting proteins and lipids. Its dysfunction is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study focuses on the pivotal role of the Golgi apparatus in cellular stress responses and its regulatory mechanisms, particularly the protective function of the gas signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) during Golgi stress. To this end, we designed and developed a novel Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe, W-1a, which can specifically detect changes in H₂S levels. W-1a reacts with H₂S to inhibit the photoinduced electron transfer effect, resulting in a significant fluorescence signal change at 529 nm. Experimental results demonstrate that W-1a exhibits a low detection limit, excellent selectivity, and low cytotoxicity, enabling high-fidelity in situ imaging of H₂S generation under Golgi stress conditions. This study not only provides a valuable tool for elucidating the cytoprotective mechanisms of H₂S in stress responses but also offers potential drug targets for the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.