Lysosome-targeting pH indicator based on peri-fused naphthalene monoimide with superior stability for long term live cell imaging

J Mater Chem B. 2021 Jan 7;9(1):112-124. doi: 10.1039/d0tb02208j. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

Lysosomes, the acidic degradation compartments of eukaryotic cells, play an essential role in many physiological processes. Their dysfunction is associated with a number of diseases, which are often related to an altered localization or luminal pH. Thus, the in-depth characterization of lysosomes within the intact eukaryotic cell is of utmost interest. For microscopic evaluation of lysosomal distribution and acidity, a number of labels have been developed, but many showed poor organelle specificity or rapid clearing from lysosomes, rendering them unsuitable for long-term observations. Here, we describe the synthesis and spectroscopic properties of a novel small molecule marker for lysosomes based on naphthalene monoimide with reversible, pH-dependent spectral shifts in both the absorption and the emission spectrum and acidity-associated changes in fluorescence lifetime. The dye can be excited either with single- or two-photon excitation and appears to be very stably associated with lysosomes for several days. We used this chromophore to detect chemically-induced changes of lysosomal pH in HeLa cells by ratiometric and FLIM imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescent Dyes / analysis*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lysosomes / chemistry*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Naphthalenes / analysis*
  • Naphthalenes / metabolism
  • Time-Lapse Imaging / methods*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Naphthalenes
  • naphthalene