A lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for visualizing biothiols in vivo and in vitro

Summary

Lysosomal biothiols play critical roles in numerous cellular processes and diseases. Researching an effective method for real-time labeling biothiols in lysosomes is of great significance and urgency, as it could provide essential information for the diagnosis of relevant diseases. In this study, we developed a lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe (LY-DCM-P) with a large Stokes shift of 150 nm for the sensitive and selective detection of biothiols in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, LY-DCM-P showed low cytotoxicity and excellent lysosome-targeted ability. The probe was successfully employed to monitor fluctuations in lysosomal biothiols in various living systems, enabling enormous potential to accurately monitor the occurrence and progress of biothiol-related diseases.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  A lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe LY-DCM-P was constructed to detect biothiols

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  LY-DCM-P exhibits red fluorescence (670 nm) upon binding to biological thiols

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  LY-DCM-P can be used for rapid and highly selective detection of biological thiols

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  LY-DCM-P has effectively monitored the endogenous biothiols in living systems

Abstract

Chemistry; Physics; Biological sciences