A mechanosensitive fluorescent probe for visualizing migrasome mechano-spatiotemporal dynamics.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Migrasomes are extracellular vesicles involved in cellular processes like repair and development.
• Their biogenesis and function are influenced by membrane dynamics and tension.
• Existing tools lack the specificity to monitor migrasome membrane tension in real-time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of migrasome membrane tension.
• To investigate the role of membrane tension in migrasome biogenesis, dynamics, and function.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel mechanosensitive fluorescent probe (OT2SQ).
• Utilized time-lapse fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and phasor-FLIM analysis.
• Applied the probe to study migrasome dynamics in living cells.

Main Results:

• OT2SQ demonstrated viscosity-insensitivity and sensitivity to membrane tension.
• Distinct modes of migrasome biogenesis and detachment correlated with membrane tension changes.
• Alterations in migrasome membrane tension were observed during content release and internalization.

Conclusions:

• OT2SQ is a versatile tool for real-time monitoring of migrasome membrane tension.
• Provides insights into the mechanical properties governing migrasome dynamics.
• Facilitates further research into migrasome function in health and disease.