Dual-Emissive Probe for Reversible Visualization of ΔΨm Revealing Voltage Heterogeneity in a Single Mitochondrion

Mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi(m)) is a fundamentally important parameter in eukaryotic cells playing central roles in various vital biological processes. Precise visualization of Delta Psi(m) depends on the robust ratiometric fluorescent probes. In this work, a new dual-emissive fluorescent probe has been fabricated for ratiometric visualization of Delta Psi(m). The unique probe can form near-infrared emissive aggregates (similar to 670 nm) in mitochondria with high Delta Psi(m), which turned to green-emitting monomers (530 nm) with loss of Delta Psi(m). The reversible changes of Delta Psi(m) can be clearly observed, and the ultralarge emission shift (similar to 140 nm) is greatly favorable for the clear observation of voltage distribution under a super-resolution microscope. With the robust probe, the heterogenous voltage distribution in a single mitochondrion has been revealed for the first time, which can facilitate the in-depth understanding of fine structures in mitochondria. The cell damages induced by various reagents were successfully visualized using the innovative probe, demonstrating its pronounced potential for biological research.

Automated summary

A new dual-emissive fluorescent probe has been developed for visualizing mitochondrial membrane potential changes, displaying reversible alterations and allowing for the observation of heterogeneous voltage distribution within single mitochondria. The innovative probe demonstrated potential for revealing cell damages induced by various reagents in biological research.