BODIPY based realtime, reversible and targeted fluorescent probes for biothiol imaging in living cells

Chem Commun (Camb). 2020 Dec 4;56(93):14717-14720. doi: 10.1039/d0cc06313d. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

Abstract

Real-time live cell imaging and quantification of biothiol dynamics are important for understanding pathophysiological processes. However, the design and synthesis of rational probes that have reversible and real-time capabilities is still challenging. In this work, we have prepared boron-dipyrrolemethene (BODIPY) based fluorescent molecules as ratiometric probes that allow the real-time biothiol dynamics to be observed in living cells. The Michael reaction between α-formyl-BODIPY (BOD-JQ) and GSH exhibited a reversible fluorogenic mechanism with fluorescent emission shifting from 592 nm to 544 nm with t1/2 = 16 ms. In particular, we showed that the probes with targeting agents are capable of detecting biothiols in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with high temporal resolution.

MeSH terms

  • Boron Compounds / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene
  • Boron Compounds
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds